Passwords protect all sorts of highly sensitive information like personal emails, your social security number or bank account information. Unfortunately, too few people put the effort into making them strong and secure. Most of us have been guilty of it at one time or another, myself included. I was always too lazy to come up with something clever and difficult to figure out. I was also afraid that if I did, I would forget it two seconds later.

Strong passwords don’t have to be a hassle though, and if they are, well get over it. They’re necessary to keeping you and your information safe.

What To Do:

  • Make your password long, at least eight characters
  • Combine letters, numbers and symbols
  • Use words/phrases that are strange to others but memorable to you

What Not To Do:

  • Use sequences of numbers or letters
  • Use any parts of your name, birthday or social security number
  • Only have one password for everything

Microsoft has a cool password checker that will help you check the strength of your password. Just type yours in and it will tell you how good (or bad) it is.

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