Choosing and Protecting the Perfect Password

Protecting your assets and information begins with the perfect password. Unfortunately, lots of Internet users are still relying on outdated combinations of their birthdays, pets’ names, and favorite foods. By spending just a couple of minutes on your Internet security, you can significantly decrease the chances of getting your password stolen.

Has your information been compromised? Contact a member of the Stolen Asset Recovery Network to learn more about your options.

Create a Long Password

It’s easy to look at the minimum password requirements for a website and do the bare minimum. But the longer a password is, the harder it is to guess. Aim for at least 12 characters,  but even more is better.

Add in Symbols and Uppercase Letters

While some operations focus on guessing the correct password, others use brute force to crack into accounts. Computers can test combinations of letters and numbers at an incredibly high speed, leaving you vulnerable. Adding in a mixture of symbols and uppercase letters makes it much harder to guess your password.

Avoid Obvious or Meaningful Phrases

Ideally, your password will be a completely random combination of letters and numbers. If that just isn’t practical for you, at least stay away from obvious words (like “password”) and words that have some personal meaning to you. If you must use words and phrases, make sure they are completely random words. Encrypt them with numbers and symbols.

Consider a Password Generator

If you want to avoid easy-to-guess words and phrases, a completely random password is the best way to go. You can either come up with your own passwords or use a password generator. Consider password generators that create long passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Stick to encrypted password generators that have a history of protecting their users’ data and their own algorithms.

Skip the Sticky Notes and Compare Password Managers

What’s the main downside of a hard-to-guess password? It’s also hard to remember. If a password is too hard to remember, people are more likely to write it down in a notebook, password log, or sticky note on their computer screen. Of course, this cancels out the benefits of choosing a tough password in the first place. Instead, think about saving your passwords in a password manager. This allows you to access all of your passwords if you can just remember one master password. Compare options to find one that is encrypted, does not sell data, and is not easily exploited by hackers.

Double Up on Security With Two-Factor Authentication

A strong password is one part of the Internet security equation. Another is two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication requires you to enter the correct password and then verify your identity in some other way. Generally, you enter a code sent to your e-mail address or phone. This adds another layer of protection to your data and assets.

Protect Your Privacy With Stolen Asset Recovery Network

What if all of your information security efforts fail and you’re still a victim of Internet theft or fraud? One of the members of STARNet can help you recover what’s yours. Use our directory to find a STARNet member firm near you.

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STARnet

STARNet, which is short for Stolen Asset Recovery Network, is a global alliance of independent law firms created to provide financial institutions and governments with multi-disciplinary services across countries and jurisdictions for locating, freezing, and ultimately recovering stolen assets related to cyber heists, fraud or corruption.

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