A password, in its simplest form, is a security system online. Passwords keep hackers away from your online property, just as locks keep burglars away from your physical property. Remember to apply the same safety precautions to your passwords as you do to your keys. Would you leave your house keys taped to your door? Probably not. So don’t store your passwords taped to your computer. 

How do attackers get past an online identification and authentication system? You may be imagining some complicated contraption - but often times it’s just by guessing the right combination of characters. 

We at Cool Blue believe that if you know how attackers attempt to crack your password, you can prevent an attack on yourself.  Do not let your password “laziness” get in the way of its real purpose, security. Here are some simple suggestions to prevent poor password habits:

1. Avoid The Obvious.  Yes, your hometown, children’s names and local sports team are personal, but think about how easily they can be obtained.  These are the most common (and often first guessed) passwords. You don’t have to think out of the box, just add a bit more detail. For example, instead of using your favorite sports team, use your favorite game. Ex: HawksGame12/23

2. Longer is better. Typically, the longer the password, the harder it is to crack. Case in point is a brute force attack. This popular hacking method involves cycling through all possible character combinations until the correct one is found. So always aim for your password to be longer than the minimum character count. We recommend using a memorable phrase to add length. Ex: Hawksplayedatphillipsarenaondec23 

3. Real Words = Real Problems. Dictionary attacks are when an automated system repeatedly tries different words and/or combinations of words from the dictionary. Stop these attacks by using acronyms instead of actual words. Ex: hpapao12/23

4. It’s Complicated. Use complicated passwords that include uppercase letters, number, and symbols. Take your password to the next level by adding some unique characters that only you will know. Ex: HP@Phi11ipsAr3na12/23 

5. Don't Let Your Guard Down. A strong password does not stop an attack, it only helps prevents one. To start, stop using a universal password. By taking the time to ensure your password is unique, you are not only protecting yourself, but also your personal data. If someone gets their hands on your Facebook password, you wouldn't want them to have your bank account password too. Remember to also store your passwords in a safe place. This safe place should NEVER be on your computer. There are many ways to access your computer files. Think smart and find somewhere not associated with technology. Only want to have to remember one password? Check out a secure password management system like 1password. With a password management system all you need is one strong password to gain access to a secure site and you're done.  

For more information on password safety, contact Cool Blue.