The other day I was asked what were some of the worst passwords I had ever seen or heard. Here are my top 5.

1. Password

2. 12345678

3. qwerty

4. your pets name

5. Favorite sport team.

Here's a simple trick for a secure password that's very easy to change and remember (you should be changing them on a 90 day cycle anyway).

Pick a word that you can change on a regular basis. I'll start with fish. Add a simple static rule like always capitalizing the 3 letter.

fiSh

Add a simple four digit number that you can keep static, say the year of your favorite persons birthday. Add it between each of the letters of the word. Sorry I can't give my age away. I'll say 1070.

1f0i7S0h - cool huh?

Last and not least add one special character somewhere static. Most will chose the end or beginning the pros will add it directly in the center but lets keep it simple right?

<1f0i7S0h

Thar she blows! A really strong password with rules that create a template so you never have to think of a really tough one all the time or use the same one over and over adding a 1 or 2 at the end of it.

1st Rule - 4 digit word you can change.

2nd - a static rule that never changes.

3rd - a simple four digit number.

4th - add a special character anywhere.