Have you ever wondered how easy it would be for someone to hack your online accounts? Have you ever wondered if the passwords you use are indeed hacker-proof? Here are some tips on creating a secure password and how to check to see how secure it really is.

• Make it lengthy (8 characters at least)
• Combine letters, numbers, and symbols in each password. Instead of an “E” use a “3” (for instance, turn Yosemite into Yos3mit3).
• Mix upper case and lower case. Don’t just capitalize the first letter; capitalize the second, third or both.
• Use the entire keyboard not just the common symbols and characters. Instead of an “i” use a caret (^) (for instance, turn Yosemite into Yosem^te).
• Use more than one password

DO NOT:

• Use sequenced and repeated patterns such as 12345 or llllllllll
• Use any part of your name, birthday or social security number
• Use dictionary words; it’s easy for professional hackers to guess those.
• Store your password in Internet browsers
• Tell anyone your password
• Pass it through e-mail
Microsoft has an online utility where you can check your password’s strength. http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx. There’s nothing to download, simply navigate to the link, type your password and the program will let you know how secure the password is. You may be surprised at the results!



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