Passwords: Five Simple Steps for Safekeeping.

Many times, people use the same password for all sites. If your password is ‘cupcakes’, then hackers just hook up their dictionary database and ‘BAM!”. They are ready to enjoy the fruits of their non-labors. These anonymous programmers will filter through all your other accessible websites, leaving you vulnerable for attack and identity fraud.When you surrender your password to anyone, including a web company or person, make sure they have a reputation of integrity and trust. Speaking for Fundamental (gofundamental.com), we are not interested in your emails, blogs and other sites. It is not that you are boring. Your probably are not. We would have a good ol’ time if given permission to play. However, we just do not have the time nor the lack of integrity to pursue that line of living. Fortunately, we have not ever had a problem in this arena, but wanted to stress the importance of honored privacy, nonetheless.

Here are a few simple steps to help guard against hacking:

1. Use a combination of all underscores, numbers, capital and normal caps characters. It is also a good idea to make it over 6 characters long.

2. Use a word that is not in the dictionary.

3. Write down all your passwords and put them in a notebook that you will not lose. Explain the site, password, and username. If you use different emails, then write the email down along with the password. This gives you the freedom to forget your passwords.

4. Try not to use a global password for too long. If you do, change it often and write it down.

5. Keep your financial institution passwords completely separate from your social passwords.

Here is an example, Sl0m_!pAss.

Please make sure you follow these simple guidelines and you will reduce your chances of hacking.