Is my kid keeping their password safe?

Technology has become such a vital part of everyday life, that we often get a little too comfortable. This is especially true for our kids, who have NO concept of life before the internet and smartphones and GPS. As a result, kids have a dangerously relaxed attitude about online security, more specifically–passwords.

Let me let you in on some crazy bullshit the kids are doing now: They have a “streak” going on Snapchat or the Tik Tok or something like that. They get their phone taken away but don’t want to lose their streak They give a friend their password through some absolutely NOT safe method like text or xbox message, or spraypainting that sucker on a billboard. Friend is supposed to keep the streak going while they are grounded. Friend loses, shares out or otherwise leaves password unsecured and leaves access to those accounts vulnerable. Not only is your kid’s personal information in the great wide open, those things may very likely be tied (directly or indirectly) to YOUR personal information like your bank account, credit card or social security number. Chaos ensues.

Because kids rarely listen to ANYTHING the first time, the topic of online security isn’t a one and done conversation. Keep reminding them to keep their passwords safe and to change them often. In case YOU need a refresher, when it comes to passwords, experts recommend these “best practices”:

Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols

No repeats–use a unique password for each account (I am SO guilty of this)

Don’t use common words or anything related to your personal info, like birthdays

Use a password manager (we like Keeper Vault) to keep everything secure AND convenient.

Change it regularly

Have you ever had a password breach with catastrophic consequences? Have you discovered your kids playing fast and loose with passwords and other personal data? Tell us your scary stories in the comments!