What are passwords?

Passwords protect the files and information stored on your computer or on the Internet. Passwords should all be different and they should also be impossible to guess.

What dangers are associated with passwords?

Most people use the same 8-digit password for all of their applications, and the same 4- or 5-digit PIN for their bank accounts and credit cards. Since there are robots out there that “guess” passwords, it’s not too hard for someone to steal your identity and all of the files on your computer if yours is too easy.

Young people’s passwords or online gaming accounts (e.g., World of Warcraft) can be stolen if they use the same password and username for games and online forums.

What makes a password secure?

• When you’re asked to create a password, make sure it’s a new one each time.
• Make sure your password is hard to guess – no known words, names of pets or friends, birthdays, etc.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters for a password that’s hard to crack.
• Don’t tell anyone your passwords.
• Don’t keep passwords written down near the computer and don’t save them in a computer file called “Passwords”.
• Change your passwords on a regular basis.