This summer news programs started reporting on new password guidelines. You no longer have to remember a scrambled mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and punctuation. The new recommendation is for 3 to 4 words that bear no relationship to each other, yet something you can visualize like “zebrapurpleboxes.” Unfortunately using common names and phrases or just the word “password” are still ill-advised.
WordPress users know about the password security warnings and WordPress even assists with the generation of complex passwords. Despite the new relaxed criteria for password construction, security is still a top concern.
- Don’t give out your password “PERIOD.” If you have an assistant or an associate who needs to post on the site, then you or your webmaster should generate a user ID and their very own password to treasure and protect.
- Periodically check your site for malware and non-permissive use.
- Take a deep breath… change your password to meet the new guidelines or update with a complex password generated in your WordPress dashboard. If you don’t who has had your password, where it’s been, and especially if your site has been hacked — get a fresh password.
Be safe.
