A guide to online banking
Online banking allows you to keep control of your finances from home or whilst you're out and about on your bank's...
Setting up strong passwords and using different passwords for different accounts and devices is the simplest and most effective thing you can do to stay safe when you’re online.
Weak passwords are made up of common words, numbers or keyboard patterns. Some common examples of weak passwords include:
These passwords are very easy to guess, so if someone is trying to gain access to one of your online accounts, they'll probably try one or all of these.
A strong password is difficult for anyone to guess or figure out. When you sign up for an account and choose your password, many websites will tell you how strong your password is. It'll also tell you what your password needs to include, such as different combinations of numbers, letters, and symbols.
Sticking to some of the password tips listed below can help you make sure your password is as strong as possible. Your password:
When creating a strong password, putting three random words together such as 'YellowChairApple' is a good idea. For added security, you could add in some of the options above, like numbers and symbols.
It's important to try and use different passwords for different websites or accounts. If you have the same password for all accounts and a stranger or hacker gets access to your account on one site, they'll be able to log in to all of your accounts. So although it can be tricky to remember lots of different passwords, it's an important part of keeping your online accounts safe.
It's best not to recycle passwords (for example password2, password3), as these are still very easy to guess if someone gets hold of one of your passwords.
If passwords with numbers and symbols are too hard to remember, using three random words together can make a stronger password, as long as those words don't contain your personal information.
Some internet browsers have built-in password managers. This is software that remembers your passwords for different sites and fills them in for you automatically when you need them.
If your browser doesn't have a built in password manager, you can find other password managers online, such as Nordpass, 1Password, or Roboform.
When you log in to a website for the first time, the password manager will ask if you want it to remember the password. You have the choice if you want it to or not. It can save time to use this function, but it only works on your own computer.
Password managers make it easier to use different strong passwords for each separate account, because it remembers them for you.
However, you should make sure that your computer needs a password or PIN to access it. It's also worth noting that your login details will be available to anyone you share the computer with, so make sure it’s only shared with people you trust – and don’t use the password manager anywhere public, like the library.
We offer support through our free Advice Line. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs. You can contact us on 0800 678 1602.
We work with Wordskii to offer free interpreted calls. Visit the Wordskii website and select the language you would like to take the call in from the menu at the top right of the screen. This will tell you the best number to call.
Online banking allows you to keep control of your finances from home or whilst you're out and about on your bank's...
Protect yourself by knowing what to look out for.
Social media and social networking sites are great ways to stay connected – by chatting with family and friends or...
Email, or electronic mail, is a free and easy way to stay in touch with family and friends. Setting up an email...
Shopping online is quick and convenient – it can be done from the comfort of your own home, or even when you're out...
Age UK's handy advice on how to video call with family, friends and other loved ones.