Creating Safe Banking Passwords

Online banking is convenient and usually safe. Of course, if you watch the news, you know that data breaches seem to be happening more than ever and identity theft is on the rise. One way to drastically minimize your online risk at all websites is to use a safe password. Instead of choosing the most convenient password, you need to take the time to create a strong one.

Complexity

You may choose a simple password even when you know better, simply because you fear forgetting it. Also, you may not want to take the time to create a password manager account. However, simplicity for you translates into simplicity for data thieves. Some people still use passwords like "password" or "123456," clear invitations for people to break into your accounts. As much as it may pain you, create passwords that contain upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Hackers will be more likely to give up on you and move on to people with obvious passwords. 

Random Combinations

In addition to using all of the options on the keyboard, you need to choose a truly random combination. Using actual words or simple substitutions makes your password too easy to hack. You can choose to use a password generator, or you can come up something on your own. The key to security is passwords that do not make sense and do not reflect actual sentences. For instance, a password based on the phrase, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" or MCAHNY is too easy while Cucumber Horses Strainer Ride Seashells Potato or CHSRSP is impossible to guess. 

Multiple Passwords

Experts say you need a different password for each website account you have, especially for your banking and credit card accounts. You may fight that advice because you hate making your day more complicated. However, if a password is easy for you to remember, it is easy for hackers to figure out. Some people choose a complex "base" password and modify it for each website. For instance, you can have a Wp4$V!en base and add a different prefix for each account. You can pick your method, but you do need to stop using the same password for multiple accounts. 

Staying safe online takes a little work. Remember, if the password is easy for you to remember, it is easy for hackers to guess. Keep things complicated so that your money and your information is safe in cyberspace. For more information, contact companies like Tru Partner Credit Union.