Paul Starling" data-"http://www.elite6.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Paul-Starling-Round-50x50.jpg 50w, http://www.elite6.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Paul-Starling-Round-66x66.jpg 66w, http://www.elite6.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Paul-Starling-Round-120x120.jpg 120w, http://www.elite6.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Paul-Starling-Round-230x230.jpg 230w, http://www.elite6.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Paul-Starling-Round.jpg 240w" data-sizes="auto" data-orig-sizes="(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" />When its time to change your password the following rules should be observed:

1) Don’t choose one obviously associated with you

Hackers can find out a lot about you from social media so if they are targeting you specifically and you choose, say, your pet’s name you’re in trouble.

2) Choose words that don’t appear in a dictionary

Hackers can pre-calculate the encrypted forms of whole dictionaries and easily reverse engineer your password. Use a two word phrase such ‘ComputerEngineer’

3) Use a mixture of unusual characters

You can use a word or phrase that you can easily remember but where characters are substituted, eg, C@nturbury1

4) Have different passwords for different sites and systems

If hackers compromise one system you do not want them having the key to unlock all your other accounts.

5) Keep them safe

With multiple passwords it is tempting to write them down and carry them around with you. Better to use some form of secure password vault on your phone.

Source: The University of Surrey’s Prof Alan Woodward and http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-26954540