![]() You can do this by adding a relevant letter to the front, middle or end of the password - such as "B" for banking, "S" for shopping, "F" for Facebook or "D" for an online dating site.Ĭhange up your passwords every couple of months, if not sooner than that, to keep malicious types on their toes. If you don't want to go that route, you could come up with a system to better remember passwords for each of your online accounts. The password manager can then even log you into websites so you don't have to type usernames and passwords over and over again. An app called SplashID Safe ($10 to $30, depending on the version), for example, requires you to remember one single master password - and then you can access all of your other passwords organized by type and category. ![]() You could use a password manager on your computer or mobile device. Facial recognition apps, such as what's in the new Android 4.0 ("Ice Cream Sandwich") platform can often be fooled by holding up a photo of the person to gain entry.īecause you use passwords for so many different things today - and it's not recommended to use the same password for everything, for obvious reasons - there are a couple of ways to manage your passwords. While we know it's a drag, be sure to also lock your smartphone with a PIN, password or gesture. Many other companies are using two-step authentication, as well. Speaking of Gmail, if it's offered, use two-step authentication, such as opting for Google to text you a short verification code to gain entrance to a service you can also download and install the Google Authenticator app on your iPhone, Android or BlackBerry. If using a public computer at a library or airport lounge, be sure you don't accidentally click "Remember my password" as the next person who sites down - and checks their Gmail, for instance - might see all of your confidential messages. Instead, a strong password is at least seven characters long - though some experts say even longer - and should contain a combination of letters (some uppercase), numbers and symbols.Īlternatively, some people use a string of words together to make it easier to remember, such as "littleredridinghood" or "brassmonkeyfunky." As password like this is much easier to remember than something like "J7e&j!sxL." First things first: Don't use common passwords like, er, "password" or "letmein" or "123456." Also resist using your phone number, kid's or pet's name or birthdate as each of these can easily be guessed by malicious types.
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