How to Test And Protect Your Password (Part 3)

This is the third of a four-part series on passwords.

Part 1 – 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Password

Part 2 – How to Make a Strong Password

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There are many ways to check if you have created a strong and secure password. One of such ways is by using Microsoft’s password checker tool. Microsoft password checker will check the strength of your password without storing any private details so that you do not have to worry about your privacy.

Protecting your password however, is a different” kettle of fish”. altogether. The fact that there are people out there who want to steal your passwors means that a minute lapse is all you need to have your online accounts hacked into. The following guidelines will help you ensure that your password is kept safe from malicious people.

1. Always use a different password for all your accounts. This makes it difficult for anyone to access all your accounts at once if you are careless with one of your passwords.
2. Change your passwords on a regular basis for example, every 3 months. The longer you use a password, the more the chances that it will eventually be hacked into.
3. Never give out your password to anyone particularly in response to an email request.
4. Do not allow your computer to store passwords locally in case of loss or theft.
5. Be wary of shoulder surfers especially when using a computer in your work place or a public location such as a Cyber cafe.

The final part of this password series will discuss 10 popular words to avoid when creating passwords.

Talking Point

How do you test and protect your passwords?