Making a default password "password" isn't just a bad idea, starting in 2020 it will be illegal in the state of California.
The state has passed a law that beefs up internet security standards, including a rule that every internet-connected device (ex. WIFI routers) must be given their own unique password and not simply come with default ones like "default" or "admin."
While the news mostly takes aim at Internet Service Providers and Telecommunications companies, it's always smart to use news like this to take a step back and make sure you're doing everything you can password-wise to stay safe n' secure.
Last year, Fortune Magazine released a list of the top most common passwords. Do you see one of yours on the list?
1. 123456
2. Password
3. 12345678
4. qwerty
5. 12345
6. 123456789
7. letmein
8. 1234567
9. football
10. iloveyou
11. admin
12. welcome
13. monkey
14. login
15. abc123
If you see anything close to what you see on this list? It's time for a SERIOUS UPGRADE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.
It might be annoying, but it's worth the peace of mind to create a unique, complex password for anything you need to log into.
Here are just a few pro tips on how to create a super-secure password:
Include numbers and special characters
All it takes is throwing in a few extra special characters in a simple password to up the security level.
Throw in foreign words
Mixing two languages to create a unique password allows yours to bypass malicious parties' attempts to use English dictionaries to guess your password.
Use a password generator
Chock-full of customization options, online password generators are simple to use, and provide expert-level passwords with the click of a button.
Change your password every month
I know. You won't. Just do it as often as possible, otherwise you'll be forced to change it when your accounts get compromised.
Read more about the new law over at TechCrunch.