Password Advice

Don't choose an obvious password or username.
Don't use variations of any obvious people, numbers, or things related to your life. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, or variations of any of these. Don't use words or phrases. Don't use the first letters of each word in common phrases. Do use a combination of random numbers and letters. Many financial institutions will provide a random password and/or user name for you; use these. If possible change the password to one only you know, and change it online over a secure connection into the bank or credit union's official web site.

Don't write your password down, and if you do . . .
If you right down your password you make it possible for anyone who has access to your house, whether legally or not, to gain access to your account. If you do want to have it in writing, in case you forget it, write it down, and place it in your physical deposit box (yes, sometimes you still need a physical place) or a safe.

Don't use the same password or user name again.
Many online stores and even some information based web sites require that you register to use their service, and that requires having a user name and password. No matter how easy it seems to have one user name and password for all your Internet accounts, don't do it. If you desire convenience, create one password and user name combination that you use for all your non-bank accounts. Create a different password for your financial institution. Remember, many web sites don't have the security your online financial institution does. Don't allow your password to inadvertently be revealed or misused.

Don't save the password on your computer.
Many modern browsers allow you to save passwords on the computer's hard drive and have them come up as you type in your user name. It may be convenient, but you allow anyone with access to your computer, whether for a couple of minutes or hours, the ability to access your account. It may never happen, but don't make it easy for your account to be accessed.

Log-off your account and close your browser when done.
Many financial institutions will automatically log you out of your account if you don't use it for a set amount of time, usually five or ten minutes. This step is to make sure only you use your account. If you happen to step away, your account will not be open for hours to anyone who could come along. Even if your financial institution offers this service you should log-off of your account immediately when you are done using it. Additionally, if others people use the computer, you should shut down your entire browser to insure that previously viewed pages will not be accessible.