Passwords! Passwords! Passwords!

by Jill Spencer, BoomerTECH Adventures

When something goes wrong in your digital world, do you know what is often the biggest stumbling block to making it right is? Not knowing a password!

There is an iOS or OS update and you see the message to sign in to your Apple account–you need your Apple password.

Your printer says there is no internet connection–you need your internet provider/cable password.

You want to sign into your email account on a new device–you need your email password.

Adding streaming apps to your new smart TV–you need your app password.

Each password is unique–without it you can’t go any further until you follow the steps to set up a new password.

What was my email password!?!

“OK, here’s your new password. Where are you going to write it down?”

“Oh, I’ll remember it.”

I have had that conversation multiple times and the next time I’m helping out that person, they don’t have a clue what there password is or where they might have written it down. Picture me knocking my head against an imaginary wall (-:

Here are some pieces of advice to avoid the password pitfall.

1. Do use different passwords for different purposes.

2. Do not use 1-2-3-4-5-6 or your birthdate. They are too easy to figure out.

3. Consider using a notebook too big to misplace to record your passwords. Cross out old passwords.

4. Use your Notes app (Mac, iPhone, or iPad) and lock the note. But then, you have to remember that password!

5. Record passwords in your Contacts app.

6. Use the Password app on your Apple device. Settings/Apps/Passwords/Open Passwords/+.

7. Use a password manager–you will have to remember the password to get into it. Write it down!

Here a post we wrote about the pros and cons of password managers you might find useful.