Tip of the week: How to create secure passwords

Be smart. Remembering passwords is a hassle, but never make hackers’ work easy by using a pet’s name, the word “password,” or anything else that’s “easily guessed.”

Use acronyms. Think of phrases you won’t forget and create passwords using the first letter of each word. “For example, ‘I pledge allegiance to the flag’ could be shortened to ‘ipattf.’” You can do the same thing with a favorite TV show or song lyric. Incorporate both upper- and lower-case letters if the site allows, and throw in any numbers or symbols you can readily remember.

Be a chameleon. Using only one password is the “online equivalent of wearing a sign that says ‘Kick Me.’” Come up with a “core” password and modify it by adding different prefixes or suffixes, then test your passwords’ strength at passwordmeter.com.

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Source: ShopSmart