Use decent passwords and keep them secure. Better yet, use passphrases.

Poor passwords are the number one security risk most people face. Use a mix of letters and numbers, upper and lower case. This can be done by substituting numbers or other characters for letters (like zero for an o, a one for an l, $ for s, and the + plus sign for a t). This kind of password is much more difficult for password-breaking software to break. If a password is 14 characters or more, you are about as safe as you can be. To get one this long, you could use a phrase (like a song title) or repeat a single word. Using this tip, the word “password” would become “Pa$$w0rd+Pa$$w0rd” – an extremely strong password.

If you work in an office where others have access to your computer, be sure to close your programs and log out or use a password protected screensaver so when you’re away from your desk someone can’t just walk up and use it.