passwords have eight characters or more and use a combination of
letters, numbers and symbols (e.g., # $ % ! ?). Avoid using any of the
following as your password: your login name, anything based on your
personal information such as your last name, and words that can be
found in the dictionary, especially "password". Try to select especially
strong, unique passwords for protecting activities like online banking.
• Keep your passwords in a safe place and try not to use the same
password for every service you use online.
• Change passwords on a regular basis, at least every 90 days. This can
limit the damage caused by someone who has already gained access to
your account. If you notice something suspicious with one of your online
accounts, one of the first steps you can take is to change your
password.
Protect your personal information
Exercise caution when sharing personal information such as your name,
home address, phone number, and email address online. To take
advantage of many online services, you will inevitably have to provide
personal information in order to handle billing and shipping of purchased
goods. Since not divulging any personal information is rarely possible, the
following list contains some advice for how to share personal information
safely online:
• Keep an eye out for phony email messages. Things that indicate a
message may be fraudulent are misspellings, poor grammar, odd
phrasing, Web site addresses with strange extensions, Web site
addresses that are entirely numbers where there are normally words,
54 - Internet