Password, Password, Who's got the Password?

I have been reading so much lately about password hackings that I thought I should share some of the tips that have been brought to my attention.

Too many people are using the same password and/or user ID for their banking, important data sites, social networking, and the just-for-fun sites. DON'T!!! If one is hacked, they are all vulnerable. So, what do you do about it? Have at least 4 sets of user IDs/Password combinations:
1) For your email - this should be unique user ID and password that doesn't get reused anywhere. Think about it, all of these sites require an email address. Don't point them to your email account that uses the exact same signons.
2) Banking - have a special ID that is a combination of letters and numbers (not your Date of Birth nor your PIN number). For each banking site I suggest you change your password to be at least one character different for each bank. Such as add the first number of your bank account to the end of your password or the first letter of the bank name - something like that so each bank has a little different password.
3) Data sites that should be secured - Many of these sites require you to change your password often. I suggest that you end your password with a date such as 0110 (for January 2010) or Ja10. It will help you remember your core password and it usually gives you 3 tries before locking you out so if you just change the end to the most recent months and year, you have a chance of getting in before getting locked out.
4) Shopping or just-for-fun sites - I suggest you have a fun ID and a phrase password here using letters, numbers and symbols if you can. Such as $4KgzGr8 (the phrase reads "4 carat gold is great").

Some do's and don'ts:
DO

• Make unique passwords that have meaning to you
• Utilize password management software to help you remember passwords and allow you to copy/paste them (those tracking your keystrokes will only get a paste instead of the actual characters)
• Password protect your PDA's, laptops and any other portable devise that can be found

DON'T

• Use your pet or your children's names for passwords
• Use your banking PIN numbers, Date of Birth, Current Phone Number or Address Number
• Leave your data unprotected

Following a few simple rules will make life a lot more difficult for hackers and a lot more protected for you. I know it is a hassle to be changing passwords and utilizing multiple passwords and user ID's; however, think of the flip side of your bank account being attacked, your client data being compromised or your children in danger because you didn't want to be bothered with creating secure IDs and passwords. There is a lot at stake here and we can put one more layer of brick up on our protective walls by following these simple rules. Be creative and have fun!