Creating Passwords and PIN Numbers

What is a good secure password?  When you are creating a password don’t use generic words, first or last name.  This makes it easy for criminals to guess passwords.   Internet Safety Center recommends selecting something at random that is at least 6-9 characters in length.  You should also have a capital letter, number, and a special character.  Here are some examples of strong passwords.

Bad Password                                                    Good Password

Password                                                            Pa$$word

Jenny1                                                                  j@nny1

Mollee                                                                  m@!!eE

America                                                               Am&r1c@

Passwords need to complex and not directly related to your name, child’s name, or pets name.  Creating passwords with this kind of complexity will make it so hackers can’t get password.

PIN Number

Credit card and debit cards have pin numbers that allow you to get cash and pay for items.  Banks and credit card companies allow you to create a PIN number or provide one.  The majority of people will select the option to create their own PIN numbers.  The problem is that people seem to select birthdays or date of birth.  If you create a PIN number that includes your birthday, child’s birthday, even in reverse order they are easy to hack.  We recommend letting the bank create a random PIN number.