Quick Security Tips

Always create strong and unique passwords

When you create strong, unique and secure passwords for your online accounts, it can become the most critical step you take in protecting your online identity.

You can tackle this by using a series of words that you will not forget, but hard for others to guess.

Or you can think of a sentence and build your password with the first letters of every word.

To make it even stronger, you can make your passwords least 8 characters long, because the longer your password, the stronger it is.

And the majority of online accounts today, have a minimum 8 character limit.

BONUS TIP: When asked to make a security question, consider using fake answers to make them even more difficult to guess.

Every account deserves its own password

Using the same password to log into all of your online accounts, like your Google Account, Facebook profile, retail and bank websites, increases security risks tremendously, for obvious reasons.

Think of it as using the same key to lock your home, car, office, and safety deposit box. If someone gained access to one of your online accounts, all of them will most likely be compromised as well.

Keep track of numerous passwords

Password managers like Google Smart Lock for your Chrome browser, LastPass or you can check out a comprehensive 2017 list here, all will help you safeguard and keep track of all your online passwords for your different accounts.

Most password managers can even keep track of your answers to security questions, and generate random passwords for you as well – saving you time.

Defend against hackers and account crackers with 2‑Step Verification

2-Step Verification helps to prevent anyone who should not have access to your account by requiring a secondary factor on top of the username and password to log in.

With Google for example, this can be a six-digit code generated from Google Authenticator app or a prompt in your Google app to accept the login from a trusted device.

What about Phishing?

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers.

For protection against phishing, you can use a physical Security Key that inserts into the USB port of your computer, connecting to your mobile device using NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth.

Current clients of Boylan Point Agency are welcome to come to our Sonoma County office where we’ll be happy to show you best practices on how to setup secure passwords for your online accounts.