IT Security Tip #1: Use STRONG passwords!

IT Security Tip #1:  Use STRONG passwords!

Quick Tip: To make it easier to remember your password, use a phrase and insert letters and numbers into it, like: 1!u>R0ck&R0!! (Translation:  Iluvrock&roll)

Why:  Hackers can try millions of possible password combinations per second using powerful brute-force-attack software that is readily available online. As an example, hacking software can successfully guess a five-character password in under three hours. If you only use lowercase letters, it’s under 12 seconds!

You KNOW you need to have a better password than “password” or “changeme” if you have any hope of keeping hackers out of your PC.

Here’s how to create a strong password:

  • A good password should be at least eight characters long (preferably longer!)
  • It should have a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols that are hard to guess.
  • Don’t use words right out of the dictionary because they’re easy to guess (like Password123#). Even though it meets the requirements we just discussed, it’s easily hacked; remember, hackers have sophisticated password-hacking software that will run 24/7/365.