Ideas for protect your passwords and PINs

• Don't use the last four digits of your SSN, your mother's maiden name, your date of birth, your middle name, your child's name, your pet's name, or anything else easily discovered or guessed.
• Discourage your bank from using the last four digits of your SSN as your default PIN. If they do, change it.
• Use a combination of letters and numbers and change your passwords frequently.
• Memorize all passwords. Don't record them on anything you carry with you.
• Password-protect computer files that contain sensitive personal or account data.
• Shield your hand when using an ATM or making long-distance calls with your phone cards. Shoulder surfers may be nearby with binoculars or video cameras.
• Ask your financial institution to add extra security to your account.