The steps to creating strong passwords include:
- Using 13 or more characters that include symbols, numbers, as well as uppercase and lowercase letters
- Using a password manager, enabling 2-factor authentication, and avoiding duplicate passwords
- Setting up Guest WiFi access in your home
- Signing up for an internet plan with added security features
We use the internet for everything from banking to connecting with our social networks and so much more on a daily basis. With all that private data out there, I think it's safe to say that most of us wouldn't be comfortable sharing all those digital details with our friends and family, let alone complete strangers.
Yet, when we don't practice basic password security, that's exactly what we're leaving our lives open to. And something tells me that if a stranger is trying to access your private data, they're not going to be careful with it. Read on to find out how to best secure your digital life.
Create Strong Passwords
Since you're reading this guide, it's pretty obvious that you realize there's the need to keep your passwords secure, so I won't mention that you shouldn't have a password like, "Password" or "1234567."
However, many people who want to create strong passwords don't realize that there are some simple rules to crafting something that isn't easily cracked. So let's get right into the rules. They're all are based on current hacking systems like dictionary attacks, brute force, rainbow tables, social engineering, and more.
Password Creation Rules
- Use more than 8 characters—but 13+ is better
- Do not use words commonly found in the dictionary
- Whenever possible, break words up with a "-" (dash) or a "~" (tilde)
- Use uppercase and lowercase letters
- Use symbols
- Use numbers
Sound hard? It shouldn't, just think of it as a secure "sentence" instead of a single pass "word."
As an example, consider the simple phrase, "This password is perfect." Next, translate it into a phrase comprised of words not commonly found in the dictionary like, "This tea is on fleek" and change it to, "D!5~t3@i5~0nf133k."
Don't worry, you don't have to suddenly become an expert in tween slang to create a secure password. In fact, it's better if you use your own, unique, phrases instead. Using this method is easy, secure, and if you're using a password manager (which I'll address shortly) you won't even have to memorize it.
Securely Manage Your Passwords
Many people don't even know that they can (and should) change their WiFi password. Below, you'll find the simple steps to changing your home WiFi password as well as a list of smart practices for changing other account passwords.
Changing Your WiFi Password
- Log into your internet provider account
- Locate your Gateway IP or Wireless Gateway
- Select "Change WiFi Settings"
- Enter your new password and select "Save"
- Allow the system to update your password, it could take a couple minutes
- Reconnect your wireless devices, using your new password
Password Account Tips
- Use a (very secure) email account which is designated to account security.
- Always use 2-Factor Authentication, ensure that the phone number you use isn't connected to any other devices.
- Do not give simple answers to your security questions, to avoid a social engineering hack.
- Never use duplicate passwords. If one site's encryption gets hacked, then you'll want to ensure that only that account is compromised.
Tools That Simplify Password Security
Below you'll find a list of all the tools you'll need to simplify your password security process. Regardless of whether you're protecting your Netflix account or all of your financial data, developing and using a standard protocol for password security is wise.
Password Manager
A password manager does exactly what it says it'll do, it'll manage your passwords for you. Ideally, they say that when you use one, you'll only need to remember the password to your chosen app and that's it—but I disagree.
In reality, you should only use the password manager if and only if you've properly handled the account which grants remote access to your apps is secure, too.
For example, if you have an iPhone and use "KeePass," but your AppleID is compromised, someone can gain access to the data within the app. This is why I mentioned earlier that you'll need a dedicated email address that handles account security alone. No one should know about this email account.
Pros:
- Requires you to remember fewer passwords
- Increases the security of your accounts
- Can automatically generate complex passwords for you
Cons:
- If you lose the password to the manager, you might lose access to your accounts
- It requires you to be more diligent about the security of the few passwords you do need to remember
Helpful Online Safety Tips
- VPN
- Whether you're connecting from home or an internet cafe, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) every single time.
- Not only does this create a safe and encrypted connection over whatever network you're connecting from, but it prevents hackers from identifying your device and tunneling into your connection (appropriately called "the man in the middle hack") which they use to steal your data. This way, even if your WiFi connection is compromised, you've created an additional layer of protection.
- Integration
- Keep in mind that the integration of deices could simplify your life, but it can also make a single hack much more devastating. Think twice before you integrate access to your phone onto your computer and ensure that you monitor cloud accounts that have backdoor access to your private data.
- Do Not Duplicate
- It might seem easier to duplicate your passwords, but if you do and a site's encryption is cracked, the person who sees your information can (potentially) see your username, security questions' answers, and your password in plain text.
Set up a Guest WiFi in Your Home
Whether you're ready for it or not, eventually someone that isn't an immediate family member will ask you for your home WiFi password. If you're concerned about your security, you might be tempted to turn them down, but don't do that. Just create a Guest WiFi Network.
Creating a Guest WiFi Network
- Log in to your provider account
- Find "Add WiFi Network"
- Select the "Guest" network type
- Name your guest network something that isn't obviously less secure
- Create a password that is not easy for outsiders to guess, but also not connected to your own "real" passwords (do not leave your network "Open")
- Select "Save" and "On" so your guests can connect
Selecting a Secure Home Internet Plan
Now that you know how to create (and store) strong passwords, it's time to pick a secure home internet plan. Xfinity by Comcast comes with Constant Guard, Spectrum includes Security Suite, and AT&T comes with its own Security Suite, too. For even more internet options, see below.
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#1
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Kinetic
100 Mbps
$19.99/mo
for 1 year with AutoPay
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#2
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Optimum
300 Mbps Internet
$25/mo
with $10/month eligible Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas.
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#3
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Mercury Broadband
Mercury Foundation
$25/mo
with AutoPay
+ $45 Upfront
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#4
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Frontier
Fiber 500 Internet
$29.99/mo
with AutoPay
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#5
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Brightspeed
200 Mbps
$29.99/mo
Limited availability/areas. Taxes and fees extra. Autopay required. Pricing Subject to change.
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#6
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Verizon Fios
myPlan + 300 Mbps
$34.99/mo
with AutoPay and any Verizon mobile phone plan
+ $99 Upfront
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#7
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Ziply
Fiber 100/100
$35/mo
with AutoPay & paperless billing.
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#8
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Xfinity
300 Mbps
$40/mo
5 year price guarantee
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#9
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Spectrum
Internet Advantage
$40/mo
($30 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
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#10
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AT&T
Internet 500 (Fiber 500Mbps)
$45/mo
Price after Autopay & Paperless bill discount. Plus taxes & fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
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Lauren Hannula
Managing Editor
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