Use different passwords on everything
We know it's easier to use the same password for all of your accounts, or stick to two or three that you use in lots of places. But it opens you up to risk.
Why it matters
If an attacker gets access to one of your account passwords, it often gives them access to many of your other accounts as well. This can happen easily, whether it's from a company's data being breached, phishing attacks or if you share a password with someone.
What to do
Use a different password for every online account you create – this should be totally different, not just changing a symbol or number.
Try using a password manager, which will store and manage your passwords for you. The password manager will be the only account you need to remember login details for.
Think about using a short phrase or add a few random words together to create a passphrase, rather than a password.
Passphrases are usually stronger and easier to remember than passwords.
You can add a mix of letters, numbers and symbols to make your passphrase more complex, for example 'Wint3r here 1s warmer than Summ3r'.
Review the passwords for some of the accounts you’ve had for a while – they probably have weaker or reused passwords.
How to create good passwords
Keep your data safe with a password manager