Having Strong Online Passwords Is the First Defense for Your Sensitive Personal Information

New passwords should be both complex and long to prevent hackers from stealing your money and personal data

The biggest mistake people make with online passwords is keeping them too simple. Modern hackers use automated tools that can crack short or predictable passwords in seconds. North Carolina consumers face rising cyber threats, from data breaches to phishing schemes. Follow these tips to create robust passwords that protect your accounts and personal information.

Prioritize length and complexity

Choose passwords at least 12 characters long, longer when possible. A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols makes passwords exponentially harder to crack. Some sites allow up to 64 characters—use the maximum length whenever you can. Avoid common substitutions like “0” for “O” or “1” for “l” alone.

Avoid predictable choices

Don’t use birthdays, pet names or single dictionary words. Instead, create a passphrase by stringing together unrelated words and adding characters, for example, “TarHeel#OakTree$2025!” blends a local reference with symbols and numbers into a memorable string.

Use a password manager

Password managers generate and store unique credentials for every account. Choose tools that encrypt data locally and support biometric or two-factor authentication. Many North Carolina public libraries offer free workshops on using password managers and other security software.

Enable two-factor authentication

Whenever available, add a second security step. Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or hardware tokens provide stronger protection than SMS codes. This extra layer helps stop unauthorized access even if a password is compromised.

Stay alert to phishing

Phishing emails and fake websites trick you into revealing passwords. Verify sender addresses, watch for spelling errors or odd URLs, and never click unexpected links. Always confirm a site uses https with a valid certificate before entering credentials.

Local resources for North Carolina residents

• NC Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division: identity theft prevention and reporting
• NC Department of Information Technology: cybersecurity guidelines for residents and small businesses
• Federal Trade Commission: online security tips and identity theft resources
• Local public libraries: free digital security workshops and one-on-one tech help

By using long, complex passwords, a password manager and two-factor authentication, North Carolina consumers can defend their sensitive information against evolving cyber threats.