| Ensure that your passwords are as secure as they can be
Continuing our Internet Security theme from the previous issue, we turn our attention this week to the ubiquitous password.
With all of the Web sites you visit, transactions you conduct online, and various online memberships you might not even remember – all of them share a common potential Achilles heal: Use of a login name and password for authentication.
If you’re like most, you have a long list of passwords (you do use more than one, right?) stored somewhere: On Post-its slapped all over your monitor, in the leaves of a book on your shelf, or in an electronic document or “password manager” program. Logins with unique passwords have become a way of online life. But how to create effective and safe ones?
The advice you hear about offline security devices (car alarms, bicycle locks, etc.) applies to your online passwords as well: No anti-theft system is completely theft-proof. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your passwords are as secure as they can be.
Character Obscura
Obviously, “password” is not a good password. Nor is 123456, your birthday, or the names of your loved ones.
To be truly effective, a password should contain at least eight characters (the longer the better), a combination of letters (upper and lower case) and numerals, and several special characters, such as punctuation marks.
Related Security Tips
Be careful about the personal information you reveal in your security question answers. For example, if you use the “mother’s maiden name” question, select a random word or phrase as the response, instead of the actual name.
Remember also that it’s always a good practice to change your passwords frequently.
And finally, a password will do you no good if you don’t remember it. Be sure to store your user names and passwords in a secure place.
By combining your Web site and e-mail services, Tekcetera can provide an easily-managed, all-in-one Internet security solution. One more reason for you to consider signing up for our SiteWizard for Insurance Agents package.
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