Most computer experts and online security professionals recommend changing your Internet passwords and account login information at least once every three months. It may be safe for you to wait longer; it just depends on your computer habits, and how and where you surf the web.
Changing all of your passwords every three to six months can be a time-consuming and even a frustrating task, but it is a sure way to guarantee some level of safety for all of your online accounts. It is not the only safety precaution that should be considered for your login information, however. Whether you bank online or you are just sending a few simple emails, secure passwords are essential. It is also important to keep them all private. Avoid writing them down, even in your own home. Writing down a password is a quick way for an unauthorized person to gain access to your login information and every part of your online life.
Online passwords are used for everything from email accounts to website subscriptions and shopping accounts. Some of these online records even hold important financial information, such as credit card numbers. With phishing, identity theft, and other Internet crimes becoming more frequent everyday occurrences, it is important to choose a password that cannot be easily estimated or presumed. It is the people that use family or pet names that are the most vulnerable to Internet crimes. So choose a strong word and be sure to change it often. Changing your password is an easy task that can be completed in a matter of a few minutes.
How often a person should change it depends on the way that they use the Internet. It is best for people who habitually use public computers to change their passwords often. In fact, these people may need to change certain ones much more frequently than people who use personal computers and private Internet connections 100% of the time.
When changing your password, it is imperative that you keep in mind the following tips. First, choose a word that no one knows and no one would be able to guess. Then combine your chosen word with a selection or numbers or letters for extra security. Make it case-sensitive as well, since those that include both upper and lowercase letters are more difficult to figure out.