Computers are supposed to make our lives easier but passwords and endless online accounts definitely challenge that concept. We’ve gone from having to remember a single bank pin number to upwards to 20 different online accounts….more in some cases!
Do you get overwhelmed by the need for so many usernames and passwords? You’re not alone. Not only do we need to keep track of all of our online accounts but we also have to be sure that our passwords are secure.
That’s because there are PC programs created by hackers bent on identity theft. These programs were designed to crack your password.
If you would like to test how secure your passwords are, there is a great online tool that you can use to test them. Go to the website www.ismypasswordsecure.net.
This website tells you how difficult it would be for one of the PC hacking programs to crack your password. It is recommended that you have an uppercase letter, a number and a symbol within your password. Following is an illustration that clearly demonstrates the benefits. Note the difference symbols, numbers and uppercase letters can make in the time it would take for a PC program to crack your password.
Your Password Time it takes to crack your password
senior - 30 seconds
Senior - 1 day
Senior1 - 252 days
*Senior1 - 3 years
Now you may be asking yourself, “Why bother? I don’t have anything for a hacker to steal.”
But remember, hackers don’t need much to steal your identity.
Keeping track of your online accounts.
eGurus Technology Tutors recommends that you keep a record of all your online accounts on a piece of paper in a safety deposit box and/or with your will. A family member or your Executor of your Will should know about your accounts and passwords.
That way, they will know about your online accounts after you pass and the will not bet left dormant and subject to identity theft. While you might not be very concerned about this, your identity can be stolen even years later and that could cause a real problem for your survivors.
Contact eGurus for some useful tips to creating a more secure password.
eGurus helps you stay connected by empowering you with the knowledge of technology with customized learning plans, care & integrity. For more information, please visit our website at www.egurus.ca or visit us in Senior Living's Business Directory at www.seniorlivingmag.com/egurus-technology-tutors
