All of these options rank in the top ten most common passwords. Hackers like to move from victim to victim. So if you have a strong password, and they’re not able to get into your system or account, they will most likely move along to the next person.
Another great suggestion is enabling two-factor authentication. If someone does sign into your account, you’ll get a notification via email or text message. This allows you to accept or deny the access attempt. That will let you know that someone is trying to gain access to your account, too, so you can change the password.
To create a strong password, know that it isn’t hard. Using complicated word-number-symbol combinations are hard to remember. But these recommendations are easy to remember and hard for hackers to break!
Photo by TekHelp, Stay Safe by Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
Two Easy Steps to Create a Strong Password
Use a sentence. You don’t want to include anything that’s personal to you in that sentence. That includes the names of your kids, where you were born, your favorite sports teams, or similar information. You also don’t want to use lines from a song, movie, or poem. Hackers can easily test your password with pre-existing information.
Replace one letter with a number, and keep spaces. For instance, you can write ‘T0day’ instead of ‘Today’. Keeping spaces is easy to remember. Many people don’t have spaces in their passwords, and it’s just like writing a normal sentence when you write it out.
The security of your bank account, Netflix account and email inbox depends on how well you safeguard your many passwords.
Password management is important. If you like keeping your passwords written down on a physical sheet of paper, we encourage you to purchase a safe to keep that password locked up. If you end up leaving your home to go on vacation, or you’re having people come over to watch your house or sit your dogs, that safe can give you peace of mind.
If you prefer a digital version, there are many different password managers out there today. Applications like LastPass, DashLane, OnePassword are all useful to make your life easier when it comes to managing passwords. What they do is store all your passwords behind one master username and password. They store them in a digital ‘vault’, where you can access them in the future if you need to. Or, they can provide autofill for websites, so you don’t have to remember those passwords.
There are positives and negatives to password managers. Some positives are that they store all your passwords in one place, which makes them easy to find. They also make it easy for you to use autofill on multiple websites.
The downsides are that they are secured behind one username and password. If you lose it, there’s a chance you could lose access to all of your passwords. Another downside is that if someone gains access to that one username and password, they could access your entire password vault. Still, they are great tools to use.
If you would like to have a one-on-one session with a TekHelper to help you create your own password and family technology security plan, simply schedule a TekHelp session today!
I was just delighted and on my way to practice new found skills. My trainer was on time, friendly, knowledgeable, and very patient with this little old lady (age 78). I didn't have to take notes to remember - he recorded it on his tablet and sent me a copy to download so I have my instructions, step by step. So pleased with the service and the follow-up.
Karen M
Excellent help from our GroovyTek trainer. He spent an hour explaining issues that I was confronted with, on my computer, and corrected all my issues and problems. He was concise, knowledgeable and forthright and I will call on him and GroovyTek again whenever I need help and support. I highly recommend GroovyTek services!
Laura M
GroovyTek did a great job! My trainer was on time, professional and she solved my slow computer. Great job, GroovyTek! I will use your services again.
Marcia F
I think your service is great! I have used it, and I booked 2 sessions for my 83-year old husband who bought himself a new Ipad, but didn't know how to use it. He's been ill, so it was a great help that you came to the house. Thanks for the service.
Susan S
Spectacular people. Knowledgeable, professional, customer focused and easy to work with. I have used their services a couple of times (because I am over 40) and they are great to work with.
Jim H
It is comforting to know if you have technical problems there is a Hands On source to get help. These trainers listen to your problems, find solutions and work with you until you understand the solution, their patience is outstanding. This is a great way to not only solve problems but to learn about the ever-changing world of technology; there are class presentations, small group gatherings or one-on-one in your home with kind, friendly, people.
Ingrid S
I have always had the best computers that Apple offered, but the problem was that I never knew how to use them. Thanks to my GroovyTek trainer, my tech skills have increased exponentially and I am feeling more competent and confident with each lesson.
John B
GroovyTek has helped me, a 65 year old, learn how to do all sorts of things on my computer that I did not know about before. I had no one else to ask, and they have rescued me. It's so great to have a polite, friendly, knowledgeable person come to my house and teach me. What a wonderful service!
Margie C
I was so pleased to find GroovyTek. Although I am pretty tech savvy in some areas there are others where I need help. GroovyTek has helped me fill in that gap of information. I made an appointment to help me sync my devices and also help me learn how to organize my photos. The trainer was knowledgeable and able to explain things very clearly.
Natalie W
I had a session with GroovyTek over the phone today. It was extremely helpful to me because I was able to see everything that he was doing on my computer as he was talking. I was then able to follow his actions to do what he was doing as well. What a way to go!
Carole M
Today was my first experience with GroovyTek and it was extraordinary. I learned so much over the course of the hour AND as importantly fixed the problem I was having. The trainer was intelligent and friendly. All support was given in a very collaborative way. I am looking forward to this partnership.
Barb S
I'm very pleased with my session today with GroovyTek. My trainer was able to fix both my computer and my printer (problems with both) and instructed me on how to correct the issues if they occurred in the future. We also made plans for my next session. I find GroovyTek sessions extremely helpful and convenient since they are in my home.
Eva S
I have been very pleased with the IT trainers from GroovyTek who have been to my house. They were very helpful!
Karen B
We have had several help sessions with a GroovyTek trainer. WE could not be more pleased. My trainer takes all our questions and while answering types up his answers so even after he leaves, we can refer to his notes. I would recommend GroovyTek to any of my friends or family without hesitation. BTW, ALL the employees at this firm are extrememly knowledgeable and friendly.
Tom D
A wonderful service in every aspect from calling in to set up an appointment with GroovyTek and follow ups as well as the fabulous help, patience and expertise of the tech who came to the house to work with me with my computer issues. I would highly recommend GrooveyTek for all your computer needs! Thanks so much!