Face it, we live in a world of digital devices and constant internet connectivity. This carries many advantages, but also leaves each one of us with a plethora of logons and passwords to remember for accounts, devices and email services. To make it difficult for criminals and nasty people to have access to all our private information we must resist the allure of easy passwords.

First off, using strong passwords will help you secure your computer. One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your files is to use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. Make sure to use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Using passphrases can aid you in remembering the password. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or simple phrases. Use Strong Passwords for your computer and all your online accounts. A strong password should be unique, long and contain a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

I would limit access to your computer and only share your files with trusted individuals. Limiting access to your files to only those who need it and never share files with unknown or untrusted parties. Also never give out your passwords or access codes to anyone you don’t know.

Use strong passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, and consider using a password manager to help you remember them.

One of the most popular passwords is 1234, another is simply password. While these may be the default passwords that we are set up with, we need to remember that these need to be changed to more secure passwords and phrases. Secure passwords should contain upper and lower case letters, they should contain numbers and one or more symbols. Things to avoid are making your passwords contain your name, birthday or other personal information. This should aide in keeping your most precious information secure. Another pitfall that people fall into when establishing passwords is having the same passwords for all devices, accounts and sites. You should be varying the passwords. I know, it makes things hard to remember when all your passwords are different, but it will help keep your information your own. The last thing to remember is to change your passwords on a regular basis. This will further help thwart attacks to your privacy. If your password has been compromised, and you change it, you may just keep your data safe. I don’t recall who said this, but it still rings true. Keep your passwords like you keep your underwear, change them often and never share them with anyone!

Always use two-factor authentication to secure your important web sites that contain your information. Enabling two-factor authentication on all of your accounts will add an extra layer of security. This will require an additional step, such as a code sent to your phone or email, to access your accounts. This will ensure that no one else can access your accounts. Challenge questions can be helpful too if the website offers them. This will allow you to store the answers of questions like your first grade teacher, first car, the street you grew up on and others. This way only you can know the answers and that would keep others from signing on to the site(s).

Overall, the best way to safeguard your personal files is to be proactive. Take steps to protect them from potential threats like viruses, hackers or ransomware. By following these tips that I have laid out for you, you can help ensure that your personal information will in fact remain secure.

If you have any questions about keeping your data secure, please don't hesitate to call us today. …....or click here to ask your own question.

- Happy Computering from The Computer Doctor!

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