You may have heard the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This couldn’t be more true when it comes to identity theft. The steps you might take to prevent it are incredibly small compared to the steps you would need to take to fix it if it happens to you.
The passwords you use for your online accounts are one important piece of your online identity. These passwords should:
- Combine capital and lowercase letters, numbers AND symbols.
- Be unique. Every unique account should have a unique password.
- Be changed at least once a year.
So why is this so hard to do? Well….in our online world today, we each have upteen gillion passwords and it is simpler to use an easy to remember, similar (or the exact same) password for each account and then NEVER change it. Right?
But I for one do NOT want to deal with identity theft. I’ve had to deal with someone finding and using my credit card number and that was bad enough. The idea of someone having access to my entire online world and even my actual identity is overwhelming.
So, I’ve decided to apply an “ounce of prevention.” And I’ve created a fantastic little printable to make it easy for you to do the same! Filling out this form will take you far less time than fighting for your identity will if you are hacked somehow! Also, you won’t have to remember each and every password (you may want to memorize the most important few), because you will have them all written down!
Print out as many of this password printable that you need. Write down all the important information for each account. Then store this sheet away from your computer in a safe inconspicuous place in your home. You may also consider giving a copy to a trusted family member in case of house fire etc.
UPDATE: Digital Option
Since writing this post, I’ve had quite a few people write in and ask if there is an online password system that I recommend. After researching for a few months and trying a few, I am in love with DASHLANE. First, it is FREE (yay!), and oh my goodness it is so easy to use! Plus it is (most importantly) extremely secure!
Dashlane securely stores not only passwords, but financial information as well. It will also autofills online forms for you (name, address, phone, etc). Since I started using it, I have been saving so much time logging into accounts / hitting “forgot password” links and filling in forms.
I’ve been able to update my passwords (I just do each one when I have to log in) to extremely secure passwords that no one will ever guess. I just have to remember my main (very secure) password and change it often. Then, Dashlane just automatically logs me in (I don’t even have to type or click on anything) whenever I land on an log in page. Plus, if you want it to, you can sync it across all your devices!
I’m loving Dashlane and very highly recommend it. You can sign up for a free account HERE.
Tip for creating passwords:
Tip: I’d like to pass on a suggestion that someone gave me a while back for creating unique passwords. They suggested choosing an odd word from the dictionary that begins with the same letter as your account. So, for your Amazon account, you may choose the word “Ardvark” or “Addendum” etc. Then choose 2 letters to make into capitals, change one letter to a number and one to a symbol. If the word is short, do it twice. So: @rDvaR7A9dVAr# or adDe7dU! These passwords are tough for others to guess, but sometimes a bit easier for you to remember.
The Printable:
Now, onto the password printable! Just click HERE or on the image below to print it! Easy Peasy!
ps…if you like this printable, you may also like this fantastic “Prepare My Life Planner.” It is a complete emergency plan system AND a grab and go binder. I love mine!
Pin In Now For Later!
10 Minute Preparedness Projects!
Every 10 days or so, I challenge myself to spend 10 minutes on preparedness and self-reliance and I invite you to join me! Simple, right?
You can see all the 10 minutes preparedness projects here:
My Two Favorite Powerless Cooking Tools
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both
equally educative and amusing, and let me
tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something that not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy that I found this in my hunt
for something regarding this.
6 – Forex Scalping means fast profits. Often, over trading occurs when traders use forex scalping method.
Coconut oil is not dependable for everyday use. Don’t
aim for greater earnings when your hunch tells you so.
It’s the place where currencies from everywhere in the world are brought and sold with
an intention to earn substantial revenue.
Do you know that so many people goal to know learn how to trade currencies?
Ideally you’ll by no means have any points with
no matter forex currency buying and selling program that you simply go together with, but
for those who do ever have any issues, you may want to know that they’re going to be answered swiftly and effectively.
Trading Currencies and Buying Property Abroad are
the two major causes for altering currency. Your foreign change currency converter have to be stuffed with a diverse variety of
currencies for it to be thought of a very vital business device.
However, to succeed, you will need to have the self-discipline to follow a great buying and selling system, management your
feelings, learn from your mistakes and never to repeat them once more.
Currency trading is an activity that can really test your persistence and if you don’t
train yourself to be patient, then surviving in this market could be
very robust.
I am actually grateful to the holder of this web page
who has shared this great paragraph at at this place.
Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest
authoring on other sites? I have a blog
based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
Hello, all is going well here and ofcourse every
one is sharing facts, that’s truly good, keep up writing.
I got this site from my friend who informed me regarding this web site
and at the moment this time I am browsing this web site and reading very informative
posts at this time.
Hello mates, its impressive article concerning educationand completely defined,
keep it up all the time.
Misty, Since I did not see a download link on their website, I’m assuming that Dashlane is an online repository of your info, am I correct? If so, I’d assume that they can break their own encryption. Being partially paranoid due to all the data hacking, not for me. I’ve used a purchased product for about 15 years now that resides on a thumbdrive and have had no issues with passwords. And it allows me to set the level of difficulty for my password. Good ideas though.
Jose, Thank you for clarifying the particulars about the online repository. Please share the name of purchased product you use. Linda
Misty, there is one problem I just found yesterday about using a dictionary word. I was on a VA Admin site setting up an account and it will not accept any recognizable dictionary word as a part of your password! First time I have run into that. I got around that by using the word I was going to use but omitting the vowels. Just wanted to let you know. Nancy
What I do for passwords is so simply I can’t forget them. Here is what I do for my passwords. First I but a number (1-9) then then website that I’m on (yourownhomestore) then I but another number (1-9).
It is great that you can remember them David, but wouldn’t they also be really easy for someone to guess / hack into your account? Or am I missing something?
i simply bought a couple of little address books at the dollar store. i write my passwords in pencil in them, and keep one at home and the other in my purse; the latter has actual addresses and names in it too, along with the email addresses of people listed.
it’s old-fashioned, but it works for me.
Sounds great! Simple is almost always best!