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With everything moving online these days, using your birth date as a password might not cut it anymore, and despite the convenient ‘Remember Me’ pop-up seeming oh-so-easy, it might be worthless if the secret handshake to your online world is ‘Password123′.

Passwords are a forgetful and inconvenient business, but it’s often the only thing standing between you and a Romanian scammer’s new Rolex. So it pays to take a bit more care when choosing your new key to the kingdom (or ’empire of dirt’ as Trent Reznor correctly calls my portfolio).

Fortunately, when it comes to internet-anything, RSAWeb has a few tricks that could save your stash.

Stay unpredictable

Do not use identifying information such as names, birthdays, or sequences that are simple to guess. These details are simple for hackers to deduce, leaving your accounts open to attack. Choose something unconnected to you instead.

Avoid keyboard patterns

Avoid using recognisable keyboard layouts like “1234” or “qwerty.” These are the sequences a hacker will attempt initially. Instead, choose an unconventional, non-predictable option.

Different strokes for different sites

Never use the same password on multiple websites. Your other accounts are safe even if one site experiences security issues. To remember different passwords for each website, think about utilising a password manager.

Treat passwords like underwear

Passwords should be handled the same way as your underwear: frequently changed and hidden from strangers. This lowers the possibility of unauthorised access, and keeping it secret guarantees nobody can access your accounts.

Online passwords are a shlep to keep track of, but considering the armies of hackers whose job it is to try and steal your money, it is a worthwhile mission. The internet is a weird place, and while RSAWeb is rock-solid at keeping you connected to high-speed internet, your online safety is in your hands.

[source:RSAWeb]