In the digital age, most people have multiple online accounts, all requiring user names and passwords.  To try to remember them all, it may be tempting to use the same password or simple, easy-to-recall passwords for your accounts. Unfortunately, this can leave your personal information at risk due to being easily compromised.  The good news is that there is a way to manage and remember a variety of passwords without sacrificing security. 

 

What makes a strong password?
Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or common words like "password" or "123456."  Use a passphrase with mixed words, numbers, and symbols, like "Purple&Oranges#99Apples". It's easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.  It is also important to not use the same password for multiple accounts.


What are other ways to keep your account safe?
There are a few additional ways to keep your accounts safe other than just a unique password.  Regularly change your passwords,  enable two-factor authentication, use a password manager, be cautious of phishing emails, as well as monitoring your accounts and devices often.  You can find more tips on avoiding fraud on our Fraud page.

By taking the time to come up with strong passwords and making it a habit to change them regularly, you can significantly reduce you risk of having a compromised account. 

 

Fraud: Know the Risks, Protect Yourself