We are all more reliant on online services than ever before and for each of these online sites, we have to have a password to keep our information and transactions secure. Here are some tips on creating good passwords and how to manage them.

• DO use a different password for each site. The reuse of passwords, while it makes it easy to remember, means that if that one password is compromised that all of your accounts are compromised.
• DO NOT use personal information as your password. Using birthdays, relatives names, and dates are just too easy to obtain and for hackers to guess.
• DO use a long password. Most sites will have a requirement on the length of the password, but at a minimum make sure your password is at least 8 characters.
• DO use a mix of capital letters, numbers and symbols.
• DO use a pass phrase. Using the first letter of a phrase can help make it memorable while still making it hard to crack. For example, you might take a phrase like “Too be or not too be, that is the question” and make a password of 2Bon2btit?. That utilizes numbers upper and lower case letters and a symbol, to create a very good password.
• DO consider using a password manager. A password manager can create and remember random strong passwords that are only accessed after entering a strong master password. Remember this is only as secure as your Master Password, so make it a strong one.

Use of a strong password makes the need to change that password as often less necessary. The reasoning behind changing passwords often is that people choose a poor password that can be guessed and compromised easily. Use a strong password and you won’t have to change it as often.

At CIBM Bank we understand your hard work, your commitment and the financial decisions you have to make on daily basis -- whether that be for your business, or buying or maintaining a home, or just your day-to-day financial-related needs. We also understand there are times you just need some help. And that’s what we’re here for. To help makes things a little easier for you, to provide experts who can walk you through the variety of options to best meet your particular needs, and to provide just a little more peace-of-mind. Call us or visit www.cibmbank.com

The information expressed is being provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. CIBM Bank does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For specific guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your own tax, legal, and/or accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.