You know those 2 or 3 passwords you religiously use on a countless number of websites? Well, let this be a warning that if you practice this type of account security, or lack thereof, you shouldn’t be shocked if you face account fraud or unauthorized access.

Unfortunately there are platforms (sometimes called “scripts”) that are the base to websites such as WordPress or Joomla, or in our case TE’s. Sadly these platforms don’t always provide great security with your data so it’s important to take precautions.

Without you knowing your accounts could be accessed, data changed, and then you are out of luck. In fact this could mean commissions paid to someone acting as you. On top of that, if the owner/admin/manager of a website using a script that doesn’t encrypt your passwords you’re simply setting yourself up to be a victim in one way or another. By using a unique password, you at least know that if that password is accessed by an unwanted part or individual, it won’t be useful anywhere else.

What should you NOT do?

• Use words in your password such as ‘green23’, ‘applego’, ‘chicken’
• Only use lowercase letters
• Use less than 8 characters
• Use your email password on ANY other website
• Share your password with someone and not change it after

What SHOULD you do?

• Use at least 8 characters
• Combine lowercase & uppercase letters, a number, and special characters. Example: Fg15h#IM
• Keep a password log in a safe place which is also password protected (using a password you will remember)
• Change your passwords on all websites to be unique

While we can’t guarantee doing so will protect you 100% it will certainly help big time. In this industry you simple don’t know who runs a website that is out there to cause problems, without you even knowing. Too many people use the same password on many sites making it far too easy for intruders to gain account access.You can also use a tool such as RoboForm to help manage and remember all your passwords, even if you have hundreds.