Creating a Secure Password

Strong passwords are an important defense against online theft. Though it's tempting to keep them simple and easy to remember, thieves rely on this practice to steal identities and wreak havoc on accounts.

To make your password more secure, follow these tips:

• Do NOT use letters or numbers in sequential order (i.e. 1234 or abcd).
• When possible, use passwords longer than eight characters.
• Use a mixture of capital and lowercase letters.
• Use numbers.
• Use symbols.
• Use a different password for each account or website. This way, if the security of one account is compromised, the security of all your accounts are much less likely to be at risk.
• Avoid using keyboard keys in sequential order (i.e. asdf or jkl;).
• Do not use your basic personal information or that of a loved one as a part of your password, such as your name, birthday, social security number or address.
• Do not transmit your passwords to any party via e-mail.
• Avoid Internet or e-mail games that give out personal information or preferences.
• If you write down your passwords, store them in a secure place. Do NOT write the account or website with which the password is associated on the same piece of paper.

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