Suggestions To Keep Your Passwords And Online Accounts Safe

Mon, Aug 30, 2010

There is a lot available online, that having multiple online accounts at your fingertips is quickly becoming the norm. Even on certain web sites, users can develop multiple accounts or profiles. This includes basic information sites as well as web properties that collect personally identifiable information. It’s pretty common for people with multiple accounts to try to simplify the password process by leveraging a single password or login for each account.

Individuals who break into someone’s web based or online account can get access to some very private information. In fact, most of these criminals are experts in online behavior and understand that by accessing one individual account that they may have acquired the key to numerous other online accounts. They know that it’s common practice to use a single user name and password across many different web sites. They use complex tools and computer algorithms to access a single, more vulnerable web site and then apply that user name and password to more secure sites. An example is that your photo sharing site may not be as secure as your credit card account. But once cyber criminals have the one password, they will apply it to other less secure accounts gaining full access to your personal data. This is why online offenders are always looking to find the most vulnerable accounts. By applying the same credentials to other web sites you visit your identity is at high risk.

Another common risk comes in the form of phishing scams. Just last month, a National Senator fell victim to a phishing scam that requested his account password that claimed affiliation with his Yahoo email provider. His email account was then used to send scam emails to people listed under his personal contacts. If his email account used the same password as his online banking account, an anonymous Web based criminal could have stolen the identity of Iowa Senator Bob Dvorsky.

Anyone working online or surfing the internet is exposed to a variety of risks on a seemingly regular basis. There are a variety of techniques you can use to limit your risk and protect yourself online. One of the best ways to do so is by having a unique user name and password for each and every web site that requires registration. This can be a bit of a challenge when first adopting this new methodology but the safety it affords you is significant. There are a number of ways to track multiple passwords in a secure fashion and in no time you’ll be much more secure online. Consider using a small notebook to record and document user names and passwords. You can also consider using an excel spreadsheet that is protected by a password. If you use web sites on a regular basis, you’ll soon remember even the most complicated log in information.

Once you’ve gotten on board with unique passwords and other logins, another way to protect yourself is through the use of passwords that are difficult to decode. Many Internet browsers may take the first step of creating unique information but use common words or phrases as a password that can often times be guessed or determined through public information. Online criminals may have a variety of information that provides them password clues. Use a combination of factors including capital letters, lower case letters and numbers with each password.

There are a number of techniques you can use to create complex passwords. These techniques vary in difficulty but have the same result, passwords that are difficult to decode. One popular method is that of using a sentence of ten words. This can be any sentence that’s easy for you to remember. Take the first letter of each word to form your complex password. The password should be simple for you to remember as you repeat the sentence in your mind. Vary the capitalization of your keyword to increase the number and complexity of different passwords you create. Consider other methods that you can use to generate complex passwords that can be remembered without the aid of a specialized notebook or spreadsheet. Quickly you will discover that most of these passwords without the need for a prompt.

Considering the development and use of multiple passwords for each of your online accounts can be somewhat overwhelming but don’t despair. Consider the time, effort, and cost of recovering from stolen information or identity theft. These costs can be significant. By simply changing some online habits, you can generate all of the protection you’ll need.

Ascentive, makers of speedscan pro was founded in 1998 and makes easy-to-use software for consumers and businesses that solve every day PC problems including maintenance, optimization, and security. PC speedscan pro and other Ascentive products have been used by over 1,000,000 people and are now available in seven languages.