There is so much available online, that having lots of online accounts at your fingertips is quickly becoming the norm. Even on certain web sites, browsers can develop multiple accounts or profiles. This includes basic information sites as well as sites that collect personal information. It's pretty common for people with more than one account to try to simplify the password process by leveraging a single password or login for each and every account.
Individuals who make a living hacking into someone's web based or online account can gain access to some very private information. In fact, most of these criminals are experts in online behavior and understand that by getting just one individual account that they may have acquired the key to numerous other online accounts. These criminals know that it's common practice to use a single user name and password across many sites. They use complex tools and computer algorithms to access a single, less secure web site and then apply that user name and password to more secure sites. An example is that your photo sharing site may not be as secure as your credit card account. But once cyber criminals have the password from one web site, they will apply it to other less secure accounts gaining full access to your personal data. This is why online offenders are always on the look out for the most vulnerable accounts. By applying the same credentials to other web sites you visit your identity is at high risk.
Although web browsers are at risk for a number of different online risks, one of the most common is a phishing scam. These scams are effective when users receive an email of a well know site asking you to log in to your account. Rather than the site generating the email, its actually an online criminal who will use his software to track your keystrokes when you login to your account. This is done without your knowledge but records your actions, allowing a third party to access the site at a later time based on the information you provided without knowing it.
Anyone working online or surfing the internet is exposed to a variety of risks on a seemingly regular basis. There are a variety of techniques you can try to limit your risk and protect yourself online. One of the best ways to do so is by having a unique login for each and every web site that requires registration. This can be a bit of a challenge when first adopting this new methodology but the protection it affords you is worth it. There are a number of ways to track multiple passwords in a secure fashion and soon you'll be much more secure online. Consider using a small notebook to record and document user names and passwords. You can also consider using an excel spreadsheet that is protected by a password. If you use web sites on a regular basis, you will soon remember even the most complicated log in information.
In addition to having a unique user name and password for each site, the next step is to use a complex password. Too often people use common phrases, pet names, or the name of a sibling or spouse as their password. Unfortunately, with the right information, these passwords can be guessed or determined easily. Ensure that passwords are difficult to guess and you'll be one step ahead of those who want your information.
Here is a popular technique for creating and remembering a difficult password. It uses a sentence based approach that requires you to write a ten word sentence. Once you've completed your sentence, take the first letter or number of each word to form an acronym. This ten letter acronym can become your password for a variety of sites by changing capitalization. However, this sentence should be relatively easy to recall as it may be used across different sites requiring passwords. Consider how you can develop complex passwords that are easy to remember but not common. You could consider lines from your favorite songs or movies. Use a methodology of capitalization to add complexity to your password as well. The more complex your password appears the more difficult it will be to guess.
Protecting yourself online through unique logins may seem like quite a chore. Consider however the cost in time and money of recovering from identity theft. Taking the time to create new habits around profile set up, user names, and passwords is the best way to save yourself time in the long run.
About the Author:
Ascentive LLC, makers of pc speedscan was launched in 1998 and creates easy-to-use software for consumers and businesses that solve every day PC problems that include maintenance, optimization, and security. pc speedscan pro and other Ascentive products have been used by over one million individuals and are now available in seven languages.
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