Are your passwords secure?

     In this day of alerts over high tech security, it might still come as a surprise to some that the most common computer password is: “Password”.  That is changing, but is it changing quickly enough? If a password is just four lowercase letters, a hacker’s computer can generate the answer in less than a second. However, if the password is eight characters long and includes lowercase letters and numbers and/or special characters, the odds of a hacker’s computer guessing it is greatly reduced. The best passwords aren’t even words at all! Try using the first letter of each word from the first line of your favorite poem or nursery rhyme. If you like using words, try using a common word spelt backwards. Then, for an added touch of security, use a number or two at the end of it. Also, make sure your important accounts are using different passwords. If your email is using the same password as your banking site, a hacker could easily get access to your email then have access to your bank account by default! The longer and more complex the password, the more secure you are. Remember though, you still have to remember it! A secured account does you no good if you can’t access it either!

What are Key-loggers?

     Unfortunately even the most secure password can be found out by a nasty virus called a ‘key logger’. A key logger will log every key that you type and send it to its creator, this will allow them to see all your usernames and passwords… even if you change them! Remember to keep your Antivirus up-to-date and make sure your PC is clean before doing anything sensitive online. If you don’t know how, the technicians at Southern New England Computer Services will be glad to get you safe and secure. Stop by with your computer if you feel it may be compromised, we will go through a comprehensive check for viruses and malware and recommend you the best options to keep your information safe and secure!