Tips to Organize and Protect Your Passwords

So much of our personal information is stored online these days, from bank account numbers to tax records to personal photos and much more. Safeguarding this information from hackers is essential, and it’s important to take steps to store and organize your passwords safely. Follow these tips to keep your online presence protected.

• Choose a strong password. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes numbers, symbols, and a mix of lowercase and capitalized letters. Rather than using a common word, experts suggest using random characters or a passphrase—random words strung together that are easy for you to recall, but hard for someone else to guess.

• Don’t repeat passwords. With so many passwords to remember, many people reuse the same one repeatedly; however, this can significantly increase their risk of being hacked. Instead, choose a new password for each account you create to reduce the risk of a data breach.

• Regularly update your passwords. Passwords for online sites that store essential information, like your bank or email account, should be updated every three to six months. Accounts that don’t include sensitive information should be updated yearly or when a data breach occurs.

• Use a password manager. Store all of your passwords in one location to stay organized. The safest and easiest way to do this is to use an online password manager. These services compile your passwords in one secure area and automatically populate password fields when you visit a site. Writing down your passwords is not as secure, but if you prefer this method, store all of your passwords in one location and keep it in a safe spot.

• Enable two-factor authentication. Another way to keep your passwords safe is to enable two-factor authentication for your accounts. This is a two-step process: after you enter your password, you will receive a call, text, or email for you to verify your account. If someone else accesses your account, they won’t be able to gain access without this authentication.