5 BBB Tips to Prevent Password Hacking

People are overloaded with username and passwords. You’ve got your bank account, your email, Facebook, probably several other social media sites, maybe eBay, not to mention all those passwords at work.

Do you have the same one for all your needs? More than half of all adult internet users use the same password for everything.

Though it is easier to remember, using the same password for all of your accounts makes it easy for hackers to get into your accounts. And if that one password is too simple, it’s even easier.

Here are 10 of the most common passwords: (you should avoid these!)

1. 123456 - 1,911,938 users
2. 123456789 - 446,162 users
3. password - 345,834 users
4. adobe123 - 211,659 users
5. 12345678 - 201,580 users
6. qwerty - 130,832 users
7. 1234567 - 124,253 users
8. 111111 - 113,884 users
9. photoshop - 83,411 users
10. 123123 - 82,694 users

5 BBB Tips to Prevent Password Hacking

1. Use Mnemonics
   A mnemonic is a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assists in remembering something. For example: “I love to run at 5 in the evening.” Your password could translate that to “I<32r@5itE” The password itself looks complex and it’s very difficult to guess, but can be easy to remember using a mnemonic.
2. Different account? Different password.
   It’s not always easy, but it can save a tremendous amount of pain and suffering down the line. Use a different password for every account. Especially the accounts that contain sensitive information such as your bank account, insurance, and social media.
3. Use a SECURE password management tool
   We know it can be near impossible to remember the password for that account you only use once per month. There are tools to help store your account login information that isn’t next to the computer or out in the open. Password managers with good reviews are 1Password, LastPass 3.0, and KeePass. But, always check out bbb.org to verify that your password manager is legit.
4. Don’t use real words, sequential numbers or identifiable information.
   Remember,“123456” is one of the most common passwords, ever. So, if that’s what you are using, just stop. Also, your birthday, your children’s name, your dog’s name, your social security number (duh!) and any other personal information is a definite no no.
5. Change your passwords often.
   Every 3 months is a good timeline to follow, but at least twice per year, take some time to go through your passwords and change them. It may seem time consuming, but you might regret not changing your passwords when your bank account gets hacked or someone steals your identity. Don’t wait till it’s too late!

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