Posted from: MD, USARecently I have gotten 6 emails about security breaches from extremely enhanced hacker attacks. Included in this list are companies like RSA Security, Chase, Target, and even the good old Home Depot.

There is a wealth of electronic information out there about all of us. Depending on how 'connected' you are to the mighty world wide web determines more or less the level of risk you have. The more inputs and connections (email, bill paying, social media) you have, the higher the chances of your information eventually being 'hacked'. Some of the information we control and some of it we do not. One thing is for sure, whether you control the information or not, hackers can hack into ALL of it.

So what's the point in sharing this cheery outlook you ask? Well all is not for lost. As I always say, control what you can control, and let everything else take care of itself. Here's the quick list of good habits to utilize with your passwords today to keep your information as secure as you can:

- Use pass-phrases, not pass-words! Twelve to sixteen characters is recommended. Pick out a couple of random words and numbers and paste them together into a high strength password. RANDOM I say, random! Don't pick obvious words, numbers, etc. Variation in special characters, numerals and capitalization can all add to your password's strength.

- Get on a schedule for changing out your passwords. Don't let a password sit for longer than 6-8 months max. The longer your password stays the same the more likely it is for some nefarious person to figure it out or stumble into it and do dastardly deeds!

- Don't share your passwords! People do this all the time and I have no idea why. I'm amazed all of the time when I hear/see people offer up secure login/password information to others. Keep your pass-phrases to yourself!

- Use a secure password app on your smartphone to help you keep all of your passwords straight. There are plenty to choose from, ranging from free to expensive no matter what kind if device you use.

- Don't use the same one password for everything...if you are compromised on one account, a savvy hacker will work quickly to see if you have given him a 'golden ticket'! That's a password that controls your whole life and gives them unprecedented access to your personal life. Mix it up!

Posted from: MD, USARecently I have gotten 6 emails about security breaches from extremely enhanced hacker attacks. Included in this list are companies like RSA Security, Chase, Target, and even the good old Home Depot.

There is a wealth of electronic information out there about all of us. Depending on how 'connected' you are to the mighty world wide web determines more or less the level of risk you have. The more inputs and connections (email, bill paying, social media) you have, the higher the chances of your information eventually being 'hacked'. Some of the information we control and some of it we do not. One thing is for sure, whether you control the information or not, hackers can hack into ALL of it.

So what's the point in sharing this cheery outlook you ask? Well all is not for lost. As I always say, control what you can control, and let everything else take care of itself. Here's the quick list of good habits to utilize with your passwords today to keep your information as secure as you can:

- Use pass-phrases, not pass-words! Twelve to sixteen characters is recommended. Pick out a couple of random words and numbers and paste them together into a high strength password. RANDOM I say, random! Don't pick obvious words, numbers, etc. Variation in special characters, numerals and capitalization can all add to your password's strength.

- Get on a schedule for changing out your passwords. Don't let a password sit for longer than 6-8 months max. The longer your password stays the same the more likely it is for some nefarious person to figure it out or stumble into it and do dastardly deeds!

- Don't share your passwords! People do this all the time and I have no idea why. I'm amazed all of the time when I hear/see people offer up secure login/password information to others. Keep your pass-phrases to yourself!

- Use a secure password app on your smartphone to help you keep all of your passwords straight. There are plenty to choose from, ranging from free to expensive no matter what kind if device you use.

- Don't use the same one password for everything...if you are compromised on one account, a savvy hacker will work quickly to see if you have given him a 'golden ticket'! That's a password that controls your whole life and gives them unprecedented access to your personal life. Mix it up!