You may think your online passwords are strong but are they as secure as you think they are? If you are using the same password for everything, or your pet’s name or date of birth then read on because you probably need some new passwords. Here at MEEM, we explain how to make your data more secure with these handy password tips.

1. Create A Strong Password

Passwords should be at least 10-15 characters long, ideally including a mix of lower case and capitals. You should also include numbers and special characters e.g. $, #, *. Make sure your password isn’t something you have used previously. If you’re stuck, then you could use one of the many free online password generators.

2. Don’t Use Information You Have Online

You don’t want to make it easy for someone to guess your password so don’t use information they could easily find, this is especially true if you use social media where strangers can find out a lot about you. Things to avoid of course are birthdays, memorable anniversaries, names of your pets or children… you get the idea.

3. Different Passwords

Do not use the same password for every site. It might be difficult for you to remember them all but use just the one and someone could have a field day on your behalf. If you have difficulty remembering them all, and let’s face it most of us do, then you could use a password manager app

to help you

4. Linked Accounts

When you are on a new website and it asks you if you would like to link to your Facebook or email, don’t do it. It is always better to create a new account. There is no denying that linking is easier, which is why so many do it, but you are allowing the website to have some of your data and that’s a risk you shouldn’t take.

5. Your Password And Public PCs

You should always be wary when you use a public PC. Try not to enter your password onto a website that is on a public network – it isn’t worth the potential risks. The same goes for using public charging stations, you could end up falling prey to malware or a virus that has been designed to harvest details from unsuspecting people. Never ever change your password whilst using a public machine or network.

6. Multi-Factor Authentication

Protect your email account as much as you can, it is worth setting up a multi-factor authentication, many popular email providers already allow for this. Your email account is typically where all your online password resets are sent to so protecting your email address protects your other accounts.

Use these handy tips above to ensure your password, and therefore your data remain in your possession at all times.

Security and privacy is at the heart of our company philosophy. MEEM is a secure and private addition or alternative back up method to the cloud. But with MEEM there are no fees, there is no third party access and it’s always under your control on the local hardware in the cable.

The cable uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit symmetric encryption algorithm, which is the equivalent security of an e-commerce transaction. When the cable is used for the first time, the user is asked for a four-digit security pin. Once set, the data held on the cable cannot be accessed without the pin code.  Data can only be extracted to / restored from the cable using this same phone or, if the cable is connected to another device, the pin code is required to use the backup/restore functions. Without this, the cable will act as a charger only.