Lifestyle

The Three Keys to a Great Password

A great password is often the only thing standing between you and identity theft. But what makes a password really secure? Turns out, there are some important guidelines to follow to keep information safe. Read on for three smart tips.

1. Know the latest security standards.The National Institute of Standards and Technology has established some new rules for setting more-secure passwords.MAKE YOUR PASSWORDS LONGER.Longer passwords are harder to decipher. Try using short phrases instead of just one word.AVOID PASSWORDS HINTS OR RESET QUESTIONS. Password hints aren’t all that effective and can actually make it easier to hack into your accounts.DON’T REPEAT THE SAME NUMBER OR LETTER.Something like “yessssss999” is much too easy for identity thieves to crack.DON’T USE COMMON IDENTIFIERS AS A PASSWORD.For example, if your name is Jane Smith and you’re setting up a Netflix account, don’t use “janesmith” or “Netflix” as your password.

2.Don't use the same password more than once. By using the same password on multiple services, you are potentially giving hackers access to every service where you're using that password. This is like having a single key that opens your house, your, car, and your bank's safety deposit box. If someone steals that key, they can access everything you own. Always create different keys, or passwords, for separate accounts.

3. Make use of a password manager. A password management tool is your greatest ally. These are programs or apps that will create unique passwords on each of your accounts and store them all for you in a single, secure location, so you'll never lose them again. They can also sync with multiple devices and auto-populate passwords whenever you need them, saving you a ton of time and trouble.

The World Wide Web can be complicated, but setting secure passwords doesn't have to be. With a bit of effort, you can use smart practices to help keep all your accounts safe and secure. SOURCE: The National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2019

Related Content

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

Buying Auto Insurance For Teen Drivers

Tips on insuring your teen driver.

Countdown to College

Preparing for college means setting goals, staying focused, and tackling a few key milestones along the way.

Latest Blog Post

Planning for Longevity: Making Your Retirement Savings Last

October 14, 2025

As life expectancy increases, many retirees face the challenge of stretching their savings over several decades. Proactively planning for longevity in retirement can help you manage your resources to support your lifestyle for years to...

Estate Planning Essentials: Building a Plan That Reflects Your Wishes

October 14, 2025

Estate planning is an important process that helps individuals organize their financial and personal affairs for the future. A well-structured plan can help clarify how assets should be handled and distributed while addressing key...

The Importance of Regular Financial Reviews: Staying on Track

October 14, 2025

Financial goals and circumstances rarely stay the same over time. Life events, market conditions, and personal priorities can shift, making it helpful to revisit financial plans periodically. Knowing the importance of regular financial...