Date posted:
One of the first things you’re asked to do when you sign up to anything on the internet (email, social media, internet banking etc) is to come up with a password.
The Australian Government recommends protecting yourself online by using these password tips:
- Using different passwords for different activities (i.e. don’t use the same password for all of your online accounts)
- Don’t store your passwords on your computer – if anyone gets into your computer they could easily access all your accounts
- Do not automatically save your passwords – this makes it easy for scammers to find these in your computer
A strong password should consist of:
- A minimum of eight characters
- A mix of upper and lower case letters
- At least one number, and
- At least one symbol
The problem is, how do you remember passwords if they have to have a mix of so many different keyboard elements? We have a great tip for you:
Password phrases
Password phrases are unique, and very easy to remember. Basically, you take a phrase that you can easily remember, or that you’re very familiar with, and change some of the characters to turn it into a strong password:
Be still and know that I am God
Bs&ktIaG0d
John 3:16
J0h|\|3:16
My son’s name is James Schmidt
msnIJ@m3sS
Then you can record the phrase, and because you’ve chosen a unique combination of characters to make up that phrase, no one will be able to guess your password.
Also - subscribe to LLL's 'One Time Passwords' within LLL@Home on your desktop; they provide a more secure internet banking service.
