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

Have A Question About This Topic?

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

Retirement and Quality of Life

Asking the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.

How Much Home Can I Afford?

With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (Member FINRA & SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Kennebec Saving Bank and Kennebec Wealth Management are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Kennebec Wealth Management, and may also be employees of Kennebec Saving Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Kennebec Saving Bank or Kennebec Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not FDIC Insured		No Bank Guarantee		May Lose Value
Not a Deposit		Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency

The Three Keys to a Great Password

Have A Question About This Topic?

Related Content

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Retirement and Quality of Life

How Much Home Can I Afford?