Last week we went over safe browsing techniques but I thought perhaps going over setting up a secure password, password safety, and account security might be a good idea. I just went over them with someone who is new to the internet. They seemed so surprised by the safety steps I thought everyone could use a refresher. Can these things ever be said enough?
Passwords are tricky. You need a certain number of characters, usually a mix of numbers and letters. Different sites have different requirements. Some require 10 characters, some less, some more. It can all be very confusing. Setting a complex password and remembering it is the hardest part, in my opinion, anyway.
I've found that using a password keeper is an excellent way to keep track of current passwords. They auto-fill your password when you go to a website, which is SO helpful when you have a sizeable unwieldy password. They also keep a password protected list of all passwords. You can quickly change your password in the keeper, so it's quick to change them up when you feel the need to do so. A bonus in a password keeper is if it can help you by recommending a really hard to crack password.
If you ever get an email requesting your password, this is probably a scam you best send to the spam pile. Never submit passwords via an email. No reputable company will ask for your password in an email. And if you need to change your password because you don't remember it most companies will send you a LINK to reset your password.
Never use the same username and password on multiple accounts. If one of your accounts is hacked, it's an easy jump to OTHER accounts if you use your own name as a username and the same password. They may even get to a place where your banking information is kept. That's when it could get dangerous. Always use a different username and password combination on every account, this is one place where better is safer than sorry.
When you're in a crowded environment, and you need to use a password make sure no one is looking over your shoulder as you type it in. No one should be watching you, and likewise, you should avert your eyes if someone is typing in their password, it's just common courtesy.
Ordinary internet account and password rules I know but they can never be said enough. If you need help with your computer, your accounts or just need a computer tune-up keep Rent-A-Geek in mind. We're here for you, no question is too small for us to answer. There's never a need to feel embarrassed about what you don't know, we're here to help and educate and fix things if needed. Call us 907-745-5060!
Passwords are tricky. You need a certain number of characters, usually a mix of numbers and letters. Different sites have different requirements. Some require 10 characters, some less, some more. It can all be very confusing. Setting a complex password and remembering it is the hardest part, in my opinion, anyway.
I've found that using a password keeper is an excellent way to keep track of current passwords. They auto-fill your password when you go to a website, which is SO helpful when you have a sizeable unwieldy password. They also keep a password protected list of all passwords. You can quickly change your password in the keeper, so it's quick to change them up when you feel the need to do so. A bonus in a password keeper is if it can help you by recommending a really hard to crack password.
If you ever get an email requesting your password, this is probably a scam you best send to the spam pile. Never submit passwords via an email. No reputable company will ask for your password in an email. And if you need to change your password because you don't remember it most companies will send you a LINK to reset your password.
Never use the same username and password on multiple accounts. If one of your accounts is hacked, it's an easy jump to OTHER accounts if you use your own name as a username and the same password. They may even get to a place where your banking information is kept. That's when it could get dangerous. Always use a different username and password combination on every account, this is one place where better is safer than sorry.
When you're in a crowded environment, and you need to use a password make sure no one is looking over your shoulder as you type it in. No one should be watching you, and likewise, you should avert your eyes if someone is typing in their password, it's just common courtesy.
Ordinary internet account and password rules I know but they can never be said enough. If you need help with your computer, your accounts or just need a computer tune-up keep Rent-A-Geek in mind. We're here for you, no question is too small for us to answer. There's never a need to feel embarrassed about what you don't know, we're here to help and educate and fix things if needed. Call us 907-745-5060!
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