Should we create a strong password to protect our online information?

Nowadays, we are all very connected to the Internet, aren't we? We use the Internet not only to talk to friends, buy things, do banking, have fun, but sometimes we also use it for things like checking our health information, making an appointment with the doctor, etc. So the secret key to all of these online accounts is the password, or as we all know it, the password . Have you ever thought about what could happen if this key falls into the wrong hands? Today, let's talk about how to make this digital key, that is, your password, strong and secure so that thieves cannot break it.

Why is a strong password so important?

Simply put, your online account is like your digital home. Your password is the key to that home. If the key is weak, meaning one that anyone can easily guess, it's very easy for a thief to break into your home.

Imagine what someone who knows your `Username` and `Password` could do.

• You can go into your Facebook account, pretend to be you, and send false messages to others.
• You can log in to your `Email` account and view your personal and confidential information.
• Your bank account information can be stolen.
• If you get information from an online health service, you can even see that personal health information.

How to choose a good, strong password?

A good password is one that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for someone else to guess. Let's take a look at the characteristics of a strong password.

• It should be long: The password should be at least 8 characters long . 12 or 16 is even better. The longer it is, the harder it is to crack.
• Mix up the letters: Use both lowercase letters (a, b, c) and capital letters (A, B, C). Many password systems are `case-sensitive`, meaning that the letters 'a' and 'A' are treated as two separate letters.
• Add numbers: Add one or more numbers (0-9) to your password.
• Use symbols: Adding symbols like `!`, `@`, `#`, `$`, `%`, `&`, `*` will make your password much stronger.

The difference between good and bad passwords

You can get a good idea about this from this table.

Never make these mistakes!

In addition to creating a strong password, it is also very important to avoid certain things.

1. Using personal information: Never include your name, date of birth, license plate number, your pet's name, or your partner's name in your password. For example, if you post a photo of your pet dog on Facebook with the caption "My little Tommy," someone might guess that your password is something like "Tommy123."

2. Using the same password everywhere: This is the biggest mistake that many people make. Think of using the same password for your email, Facebook, and bank accounts. If one website is accidentally hacked and your password is stolen, the thieves can access all your other accounts . Therefore, use a different password for each important account .

3. Dictionary words: Don't use simple dictionary words like 'secret', 'money', 'flower'. Softwares used by thieves can detect these words in seconds.

What do you do after creating the password?

It's not enough to just create a strong password. You also need to protect it.

• Don't tell anyone: Your password is like your toothbrush. It's yours alone. Don't tell it to your best friend or relative.
• Remember: The best thing to do is to remember the password.
• Don't write it down: Don't write it down on a post-it note on your computer monitor or on your desk. It's like leaving your house keys by the door. If you absolutely must write it down, keep it in a safe place away from your computer where no one can find it.

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