1. How to Create (and use) Strong & Unique Passwords Larry Magid Co-director ConnectSafely.org

2. Passwords should be: At least 8 characters long Contain at least one number Contain at least one capital letter Contain at least one symbol (like #, %, &) Not be a real word, name or anything that would be relatively easy to guess Go to next slide for suggestions

3. Think of a phrase you can remember Come up with a phrase and use a character from each word. Use capitals where appropriate Example “I met Susan Morris at Lincoln High School in 1991” The password could be: ImSMaLHSi#91

4. An easy way to make each password unique Add a letter or two to the password based on the name of the site you’re logging into. For example Amazon: aImSMaLHSi#91z (added an A to beginning and a z to end) Google: gImSMaLHSi#91 Twitter: tImSMaLHSi#91r

5. Change your passwords if & when: There has been any type of security breach on the site or your system You have lost a device that has the password stored Someone else gets hold of your password And even if none of this happens, change them every few months

6. Consider 2-Factor Authentication A growing number of sites allow you to use two-factor authentication: Something you know & something you have. Typically, the site will send a code to your phone that you type in along with your username and password. Anyone trying to access your site without your phone is out-of- luck. Some sites (like Google) only require it if you’re on a new device. Others require it each time. Downsides are it’s a little inconvenient and a hassle if you don’t have your phone Upside: It’s a lot more secure (but not 100% secure)

7. Be wary of tricks to get your password Avoid phishing: Never enter a password based on a link in an email unless you’re absolutely sure it’s legitimate. It’s safer to type in the web address of your bank or other company rather than clicking on a link. Don’t’ give our password over phone: Be skeptical If you get a call from a service you use or your company’s network support department asking for a password. Tell them you’ll call them back and find out if it’s legitimate.

8. Consider using a password manager Password managers store and enter passwords for you. You can create really strong passwords (or let them generate random ones) and all you need to remember is the password manager’s password Examples: Lastpass Roboform Kaspersky Password Manager DataVault Password Manager (iPhone) mSecure Password Manger (Android)

9. Use a very strong passwords for: Email: Many sites will send your password to your email address so it’s important that it be very secure Social network sites Your reputation can be affected if someone posts negative and abuse material in your name Banking Pretty much goes without saying that you want a strong lock on your bank account E-commerce sites Don’t let anyone go on a shopping free with your money

10. Never share your passwords Sharing a password is not a sign of being a good friend. Even if you really trust that person: A friend can become an ex-friend Your friend might not be as careful as you are Your friend might use the password on a machine that’s not all that secure Possible exceptions are kids sharing with parents or spouses sharing with each other

11. For more on strong passwords: passwords.connectsafely.org passwords.connectsafely.org Larry Magid Co-director ConnectSafely.org larry@ConnectSafely.org