Better Passwords = Better Security

Better Passwords = Better Security

By Jodi Perez, CFP®, Financial Advisor, RJFS

Independent Financial Services

The days when we had to only remember one password are over. If you are like me, you’ve got dozens of different passwords floating around in your mind. Why is this necessary? Because there are thousands of hackers and scammers out there working hard to break into your personal information and do really bad things with that information, both personally and financially.

So what can you do to create memorable passwords and then manage those passwords effectively? Here are a few tips.

One of the easiest and most important ways to protect your passwords is to not let your browser remember passwords for you. While it is easier to do so, it creates a huge security risk.

So, how do you create strong passwords that are easy to remember? One way is to work from a template made of several easy-to-recall components. For example, numbers + letters + numbers could be the first four digits of your phone number + an acronym for the site the password is used to access + date, month or year of birth. The result could be a password like 3753GG70 for your Google account. For additional security you could add one capital letter or punctuation mark. In this example the password could become 3753GGE!70.

This template mnemonic can be varied anyway you prefer. The point is that once you have a system in place, it becomes easy to remember any one of your numerous passwords. And remember, the more complicated the password, the more difficult it is to crack.

Here are some other tips:

1.    Don’t leave passwords blank.

2.    Don’t use your username as a password.

3.    Don’t use identifiable information by itself (such as your birthday).

4.    Don’t write passwords down or store them on your computer.

5.    Use 8 characters or more.

6.    Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers & symbols.

7.    Memorize your passwords.

8.    Keep your passwords a secret!

Your personal and financial information is very important to you. Make sure to keep it safe.

Due to regulatory constraints, we are unable to accept online comments on this article. However, if you have any questions or would like to discuss issues brought up in this article, feel free to call or email me at (813) 908-2701 or at jodi.perez@raymondjames.com, or Jeannie Holliday, CFA, CDFA™ at jeannie.holliday@raymondjames.com.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.  Securities are not deposits, not insured by FDIC or any other government agency, not guaranteed by First National Bank of Pasco, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Independent Financial Services and First National Bank of Pasco are independent of Raymond James Financial Services.                                            

Independent Financial Services, 20635 Amberfield Drive, Suite 102, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Jodi Perez and not necessary those of RJFS or Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject o change without notice.