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I use my password for Facebook, Email, and my Bank account. One thing you should know about me is that, I have an online syndrome called “I care less about myself”. PASSWORD, PASSWORD how I love thee… you’re my online protector, but you are so hard to remember when I need you the most, so I created you to be simple, but you betray me to online hackers.

So enough with the Romeo and Juliet, on a more serious note, your password just like keys to your house should not be left in the door or handed to a stranger.

Online communication requires access walls, these access walls called password are keys to your personal private data. We make online purchases, access sensitive data and share information with friends online every day, it is our moral responsibility to protect not only ourselves but all other’s associated with our online accounts. I put together a basic guide to help you stay protected without all the frustration that comes with hackers.

What not to do

• Do not use your name, child name, pets as your password
• Do not use less than 8 characters for your password
• Avoid using words that can be spelled out (eg. wife, school, love and password)
• Avoid words that describe the website you are using (eg. Don’t use Amazon in your password when create an account on amazon.com)

What to do

• A password must contain a Capitalize letter, number, keyboard symbol and must be 8 characters long
• Get into the habit of changing your password frequently
• Do not use the exact some password for every account you sign up

The new era of online payment is here! Digital currency known as Bitcoin is gaining popularity among the online world.

So what the heck is Bitcoin you may ask!

It is an open source application that allows for distribution of payment in a digital format. There is no cash or credit card transaction. It allows users to transact online without any government, company or individual controlling the transaction.  In turn, you are saved from being charged transaction fees!! Nice huh!

Bitcoin is now a growing market for retailers and businesses worldwide. It is claimed to be the most secure way to transact online without the worry of someone stealing your credit card information or hacking into a bank website. The transaction does not require a secure connection due to it being totally digitized. You will not be using your bank credit card.

Bitcoin transaction process is conducted through a wallet (The wallet is basically where an individual keeps his Bitcoin). Bitcoin has a public key (transaction passcode) that is issued to the receiver for a payment transaction. All a user has to do is open a Bitcoin online account and hit send after choosing an amount. Bitcoin can then be exchanged for real cash using online exchange sites MtGOX.com

Bitcoin still has a lot of people confused with the technology and it still has not made way to our main retail and online stores. It will soon be available through ATM machines which will make it easier to buy and trade Bitcoins.