Keeping your data – and yourself – safe online is more important than ever. One of the easiest ways you can do this is by setting strong and secure passwords for your online accounts.

Here are some tips for making strong, secure passwords:

1. Think of your User ID as a secondary password. Most of us use our name or email address as our User ID. A unique user name is harder to guess, and can add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. 
2. Use a pass phrase instead of a password. It should be something that you can easily remember, but others couldn’t guess, such as MyGr33nBikeIsCOOL?!
3. Use enough characters: If you don’t use a pass phrase, make your password at least 12 characters long.
4. Numbers, capital letters, and symbols make passwords more challenging to guess.
5. Use unique passwords for each online account. Using the same credentials for multiple sites leaves your data more vulnerable.
6. Consider using a password manager. If keeping track of different passwords becomes too confusing, there are password manager apps to help. Good manager apps may cost a few dollars, but your online security is more than worth the price.
7. Consider using multi-factor authentication. Many sites now allow you to receive a text, call, or email to verify your identity when logging into your account from an unrecognized device.