Top 10 Password Tips
Strong passwords are vital for not only your financial security, but for every website and mobile app you have private information stored on today. Below are ten tips that lay out ways to strengthen your passwords to your online and mobile information.
1. Keeping it Secret
“Phone security” (CC BY 2.0) by Ervins Strauhmanis
You are the only person who should know your passwords. Never share them with anyone, not even your mother. Sorry friends and Mom, nothing personal.
2. Change Your Passwords Periodically
“Change password” (CC BY 2.0) by Gigix
We suggest changing your passwords every 90 days. We know it’s frustrating because we’re also champions of the “Forgot Password?” button, but you’ll thank us later.
3. Creating Nonsense Phrases
“pw_xato-net_02-12” (CC BY 2.0) by m8urnett
Have some fun with your passwords! Use a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to create phrases that only make sense to you. Remember to make the phrase hard to figure out, but easy to remember.
4. Different Site, Different Password
“ENTER YOUR PASSWORD” (CC BY 2.0) by marc falardeau
We know it’s easy to use the same password for all your accounts, but try your best to have some variety. Different passwords for different sites offer more protection.
5. Clean Your Accounts
“Access your Passwords from Anywhere with” (CC BY 2.0) by labnol
Rather than a cheat sheet for all those unique passwords, try using a password manager. These are programs that house all your different passwords in an encrypted database guarded by a single master password. We recommend doing your homework before choosing any manager to store your passwords.
6. Watch Your Back
“ATM Keypad 2” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by catatronic
When you’re in a public place, eyeballs are everywhere. Make sure to safeguard when you type in numbers at a bank, store, gas station, etc. It only takes a second for someone to get the numbers they need to get into your account.
7. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links
“Email Settings Verification” (Public Domain) by Elias Schwerdtfeger
Never click on any link or email that seems phishy because odds are it is. For example, Renasant will never send you an email asking account information or requesting you to click links. Instantly delete any email that seems phishy
8. Make Your Passwords Longer
“Tip jar with WiFi password, cafe, plaza,” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by gruntzooki
Minimum length for passwords can get you by, but making them 10-12 characters in length can increase your security and make your accounts that much harder to crack.
9. Always Log Out
“Aerial view of woman using computer lapt” (CC BY 2.0) by Rawpixel Ltd
When you are in a crowd or public place, log out when leaving your devices. It only takes a couple of minutes for precious information to be stolen for accounts to be hacked
10. Don’t Use Other People’s Devices
“Computer space” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by ellen forsyth
Never log in to your bank account, shopping site, or other websites that might contain your financial information on a computer or network that doesn’t belong to you. Unsecured networks are a risk for personal information.