Lifestyle

The Three Keys to a Great Password

A great password is often the only thing standing between you and identity theft. But what makes a password really secure? Turns out, there are some important guidelines to follow to keep information safe. Read on for three smart tips.

1. Know the latest security standards.The National Institute of Standards and Technology has established some new rules for setting more-secure passwords.MAKE YOUR PASSWORDS LONGER.Longer passwords are harder to decipher. Try using short phrases instead of just one word.AVOID PASSWORDS HINTS OR RESET QUESTIONS. Password hints aren’t all that effective and can actually make it easier to hack into your accounts.DON’T REPEAT THE SAME NUMBER OR LETTER.Something like “yessssss999” is much too easy for identity thieves to crack.DON’T USE COMMON IDENTIFIERS AS A PASSWORD.For example, if your name is Jane Smith and you’re setting up a Netflix account, don’t use “janesmith” or “Netflix” as your password.

2.Don't use the same password more than once. By using the same password on multiple services, you are potentially giving hackers access to every service where you're using that password. This is like having a single key that opens your house, your, car, and your bank's safety deposit box. If someone steals that key, they can access everything you own. Always create different keys, or passwords, for separate accounts.

3. Make use of a password manager. A password management tool is your greatest ally. These are programs or apps that will create unique passwords on each of your accounts and store them all for you in a single, secure location, so you'll never lose them again. They can also sync with multiple devices and auto-populate passwords whenever you need them, saving you a ton of time and trouble.

The World Wide Web can be complicated, but setting secure passwords doesn't have to be. With a bit of effort, you can use smart practices to help keep all your accounts safe and secure. SOURCE: The National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2019

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Jennifer entered the financial services industry after she graduated from Kansas State University in 1998. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. Jennifer runs the day-to-day, administrative operations for Brian...

Terri Vahle

Terri graduated from Western Illinois University with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and an area of concentration in economics. She joined Heartland Financial Advisors in June of 2020. Terri’s outgoing personality shines...

Leann Binkerd

After living most of her life in South Dakota, Leann returned “home” to Quincy in 2023. Leann has a storied background in the insurance and financial services industry. Her time in customer service is evident to everyone associated...

Jerry Dreier, CLU, ChFC

Jerry Dreier is a lifetime resident of Quincy and has been assisting investors for the last 35 years. Jerry has developed a career in advising retirees and those about to retire who wish to preserve their principal and make their money...

Brian Dreier

Brian started his financial planning career in December of 1994 after graduating from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. His practice has worn several hats over the years. As the financial world becomes more complex, it is...

The Three Keys to a Great Password

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