Passwords and PINs (Personal
Identification Numbers) are intended to protect your accounts from being
accessed by other people. If your password/PIN falls into the wrong hands,
it could cause you a lot of trouble. Follow these tips to protect your
password/PINs.
When creating your
password and/or PIN, avoid using the
following:
The word "password"
Your name
Your mother's maiden name
Your date of birth
Your pet's name
Your phone number (home, business or cell)
Your Social Security Number
The numbers "1234" or any consecutive sequence of
numbers
Tips for safe password
development and practice:
Try using a combination of letters (capitalized
and lower case) and numbers.
Change your passwords frequently.
Avoid using the same password for
everything. [It may be easy for you to remember, but it'll also
make it easy for an identity thief to steal all of your information at
once.]
Do not disclose your password to anyone.
When entering your password or PIN at an ATM
location, check your surroundings to make sure no one is able to see you
enter your information.
If you're going to write down your passwords, keep
that information in a safe place. Never keep it in your
wallet.
