Library of Congress Federal Credit Union

The best passwords keep unwanted people out while allowing you to log in to do your banking, shopping, and more with a few precise keyboard clicks. But how do you pick a strong password that is both hack proof while also possible to remember? Our partners at BALANCE have some solid tips that could help you avoid being among the 33% of Americas whose passwords are compromised every year.

Diversify your online passwords: Repeatedly using the same password over again puts you at risk. Once you’re hacked, cybercriminals can gain entry to every account with that password. Try to pick a different password for every account.

Be creative: It’s more difficult for hackers to guess random combinations of letters and numbers. Sewing together nonsense strings of letters and digits is best. Avoid using common words, such as “shopping” or “beach.” Instead, blend lowercase and capitalized letters, as well as symbols, to make it even more challenging. Haphazardly placed punctuation, including # and &, can help.

Keep passwords impersonal: In today’s digital age, everyone makes so much private information public online. A quick social media search could reveal your birthday, hometown, age, as well as family and pet names. Hack-proof passwords should have no connection to your life.

Bigger is better: Safeguard your online data with longer passwords. The recommended password length is 10-18 characters. Lengthy passwords make a thief’s task harder.

Update your passwords often: Keeping the same password long-term isn’t safe. Keep hackers from becoming digital squatters in your accounts by changing your passwords every three months like clockwork. If you receive a breach alert, pick a fresh password immediately. Also, ensure that old and new passwords are entirely different.

Don’t share passwords with anyone: Avoid typing in passwords when other people are in plain sight. Keep any written passwords in a safe, locked place. Hide typed password lists in secure files with obscure names.

Use two-factor authentication: Many devices, websites, and apps now offer two-factor authentication. It provides an extra layer of security to your accounts and helps protect your data and devices. Each time you sign-in in from a new device or location, it triggers a security code that’s sent via Text or Email and must be entered within a few minutes. By requiring more than just a password to log in, two-factor authentication makes it significantly harder for hackers to access your account, even if they obtain your password. Choosing two-factor authentication may add another step to the sign-in process, but it’s worth it to keep your info safe.

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The Stories from the Stacks blog is for anyone interested in advancing their financial life story. From financial challenges and advice to tips for a better relationship with money, each one is designed for you. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore next!