In this day and age everyone needs to stop using simple passwords and the same password for every site. You may find it annoying to remember complex passwords, but it will be even more annoying trying to restore your credit or getting your identity back. There are apps out there that generate secure passwords and even remember them for you, compatible across all devices. Personally I use LastPass as it works well on my Chromebook. I used KeePass for a while too and liked that. I’m not saying everyone go out there and go crazy like I do with 24-32 character passwords, but maybe look into some two-factor authentication with major accounts like Google and Microsoft, especially if you use any sort of cloud storage through them. Two-factor authentication is very simple, especially since most places have the ability to text you a code instead of using authenticator apps. Check out this excerpt from Lifehacker’s article with links to some major sites to enable two-factor authentication.
- Google/Gmail: Google’s two-factor authentication sends you a 6-digit code via text message when you attempt to log in from a new machine, though it also works with theGoogle Authenticator app for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry. You can save each machine for 30 days. You can enable it here, or check out Google’s documentation for more info.
- LastPass: LastPass is one of the most important services to use with two factor authentication—since it stores all your other passwords. It uses the Google Authenticatorapp for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry, and you can read up on how to enable it here.
- Apple: Apple’s two-factor authentication sends you a 4-digit code via text message or Find My iPhone notifications when you attempt to log in from a new machine. You canenable it here, or check out Apple’s documentation for more info.
- Facebook: Facebook’s two-factor authentication, called “Login Approvals,” sends you a 6-digit code via text message when you attempt to log in from a new machine. It also works with apps like Google Authenticator for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry, as well as the “Code Generator” feature of the Facebook app. You can also authorize a new machine from Facebook.com on a saved machine if you don’t have your phone handy. You can enable it here, or check out Facebook’s blog for more info.
- Twitter: Twitter’s two-factor authentication sends you a 6-digit code via text message when you attempt to log in from a new machine. You can enable it here, or check outTwitter’s blog for more info.
- Dropbox: Dropbox’s two-factor authentication sends you a 6-digit code via text message when you attempt to log in from a new machine, though it also works with Google Authenticator and a few other similar authentication apps. You can enable it here, or check out Dropbox’s documentation for more info. And if you want another layer of extra security, you can encrypt the contents of your Dropbox with TrueCrypt.
- Evernote: Free Evernote users will need to use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry, though premium users can also receive a code via text message to log into a new machine. Enable it here, or check out Evernote’s blog for more info.
- PayPal: PayPal’s two-factor authentication sends you a 6-digit code via text message when you attempt to log in from a new machine. You can read more about it and enable it here.
- Steam: Steam’s two-factor authentication, called Steam Guard, sends you a 5-digit code via email when you attempt to log on from a new machine. You can enable it by going to Steam > Settings > Manage Steam Guard Account Security in the Steam client. Check outSteam’s documentation for more info.
- Microsoft Accounts: Microsoft’s two-factor authentication sends you a 7-digit code via text message or email when you attempt to log in from a new machine, though it also works with a number of authenticator apps. You can enable it here, or check out Microsoft’s documentation for more info.
- Yahoo! Mail: Yahoo’s two-factor authentication sends you a 6-digit code via text message when you attempt to log in from a new machine. You can enable it here, or check out About.com’s article on the subject for more info.
- Amazon Web Services: Amazon’s web services, like Amazon S3 or Glacier storage, support two-factor authentication via authenticator apps, like the Google Authenticatorapp for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry. It also supports Windows phone via theAuthenticator app. You can enable it here, or check out Amazon’s documentation for more info.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn’s two-factor authentication sends you a 6-digit code via text message when you attempt to log in from a new machine. You can enable it here, or check outLinkedIn’s blog for more info.
- WordPress: WordPress supports two-factor authentication via the Google Authenticatorapp for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry. You can enable it and read more about it here.
- DreamHost: DreamHost supports two-factor authentication via the Google Authenticator app for Android, iOS, and BlackBerry. You can enable it here, or check outDreamHost’s wiki for more information.
Source & credit: Lifehacker – Here’s Everywhere You Should Enable Two-Factor Authentication Right Now
You have 24 character passwords?!?! Oye vey! I am pretty Good4now ;)