Have you ever found yourself completely helpless when accessing an account online because you simply can’t remember the password? Or do you simply assign the same password to every single account just so you won’t be in such a predicament? The password dilemma is frustrating. You want to protect your files but you don’t want to have to sift through a collection of secret codes in order to figure out what your password is everytime. According to industry experts, you should have a simple but strategic password strategy in order to keep your files and important documents safe from hackers and other risk factors. The key, they say, is to increase security while keeping your files accessible. Here are some basic tips for maintaining security with your passwords: Identify low-risk accounts. These would include online newsletters, inexpensive e-commerce sites and ordinary research sites. For these, it’s okay to use the same password. For reference, keep a list of all your usernames and passwords handy, like in your address book under “Passwords.” Or list them on a small piece of paper and tape it to the inside of a folder. Specialize passwords for medium-risk accounts. These type of accounts might include more expensive e-commerce sites, travel sites, or other areas that involve personal information that you’d rather not have viewed by others. For these accounts, use the same root password, but consider adding additional letters or numbers to the end of each. You can still file these in your Password file or folder. Differentiate high-risk accounts. These sites would include banking information, financial services, confidential business plans, or any other accounts that would be devastating if violated. For these accounts, define a one-of-a-kind password for each. If your memory is perfect, then don’t write them down. If you need to record the passwords, write them down and store the list in an obscure place, like in a book jacket or inside a shoe box. Taking precautionary measures to protect your files is a must in today’s unpredictable world of hackers and scammers. By taking simple steps with passwords, you can help protect your files, and yourself, from becoming victims. | 
