How many total passwords do you think you have? Five? Ten? Thirty? Now think: How many of the same passwords do you use for entirely different accounts? (Here’s how you can fix that simply and easily.)

Using just one or a handful of passwords over and over seems like a simple solution to password security challenges. And who could blame you — from Frequent Flyer numbers to your brother-in-law’s HBO GO account, you’re probably overloaded with too many passwords.

You’re not alone. According to a 2013 study by Ofcom, more than half (55%) of adult internet users admit they use the same password for most, if not all, websites.

Though it is easier to remember, using the same password for all of your accounts makes it incredibly easy for hackers to get into your accounts. And if that one password is too simple, it’s even easier for other people to access your accounts. You can do better — and we’re here to help. Below are some tips for toughening up your password security.

How to Strengthen Your Password and Make it Secure

In October 2013, Adobe experienced a major security breach that affected over 48 million of its users. Here were the 10 most common passwords cracked from Adobe, followed by the number of users who had that password:

1. 123456 – 1,911,938 users
2. 123456789 – 446,162 users
3. password – 345,834 users
4. adobe123 – 211,659 users
5. 12345678 – 201,580 users
6. qwerty – 130,832 users
7. 1234567 – 124,253 users
8. 111111 – 113,884 users
9. photoshop – 83,411 users
10. 123123 – 82,694 users

(“Password”? Really guys?)

But we can’t make too much fun — ours may not be much better. A truly secure password is still more complex than your license plate number or mom’s maiden name appended with her year of birth. Password strength is a function of length, complexity, and unpredictability. Here are some tips from the experts for making your passwords stronger.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to check out these others:

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4 Ways To Grow Your Business Using LinkedIn
How To Amp Up Your Visibility With Facebook
4 Ways Business Blogging Helps Build Trust In Your Business
Grow Your Business With Email Marketing

This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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