My girls just made nine a couple of weeks ago. They are at the perfect age to become less interested in toys and more interested in computers. Actually that is not entirely true. They have been interested in computers for quite a while. And my boys are following in their footsteps. They are all tech savvy. They know how to use the computer, browse the web to get to their favorites, and even watch approved YouTube videos.
However, not too long ago, I setup an email for both of my girls. Their address books are stocked with email addresses for myself, their dad, each other, and their grandparents. And of course parental controls are enabled. But, even with restrictions on the accounts, I have to teach them the rules of the web. They know not to click on any ads, or anything that says “You Have Won!”. They have to come and get me when they try to visit a site that is not in their approved list. And they know to come and get me immediately if they see anything questionable.
When I setup their email accounts, I set a password on each and gave it to them. They are not the hardest passwords ever due to their nine year old memories, but they do follow my password rules. As they use more websites and get more accounts I want to make sure that they know the makings of a good password.
DON’Ts
- Never make your password your name
- Never make your password or PIN number your birthday
- Never make your password too short
- Never make your password something that those close to you can guess easily
- Never carry your passwords with you
DOs
- Do make your password very secure
- Do mix letters and numbers to create an affective password
- If you do want to use a play on names, make sure to mix it up with a play on numbers as letters, etc.
- Do have different passwords for very important things like your bank account and your utility bills.
- Do use separate passwords for things work related versus personal
Having an account with a non-secure password can easily lead to identity theft. Scammers have tools that patrol the web looking for accounts with easy to crack password. Of course having a good password is just one step in many to protect your children from identity theft. And in the event that the unthinkable does happen, there are child identity theft tips that can help you work through the aftermath.
Recovering from identity theft is not easy, but there is help. Resources for identity theft victims include credit monitoring, links to organizations that assist with identity theft problems, and even form letters that you can use to send to creditors if there is a problem.
If you have not already, enroll your family in a credit monitoring solution such as Identity Guard which will alert you to changes on your credit report.
Disclosure: The post is part of my involvement in the compensated Identity Guard kIDSure program. The service was provided to me free of charge fore review. All opinions are my own.
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