Password Safety

Password Safety

You use passwords for nearly everything on the internet. With so much of your private information online, it is essential to make it impossible for a hacker to access all of your accounts:  

When making a password: 

  • Make your password between 8-12 characters and include numeric, symbols, and upper case letters. 

  • Take a phrase like “I love New York” and turn it into “!333NewY@rk!” 

  • Do not use a common password such as:  

    • 1234, ABCD, 0000  
    • Password 
    • Year of Birth 
    • Name of relative, friend, or pet. 
  • Over 60% of internet users use the same password for multiple platforms. Try to have a different password for each platform. 

  • Don't give out Personal Identifying Information (PII) unless absolutely necessary. 

  • Change your passwords, especially the password that you frequently use the most, around every three months. 

  • Never post your home address, phone number, social security number, or place of birth on social media.