The Importance of Strong Passwords

A strong password is a key component to protecting your information from being easily accessed. Think of your passwords as the “keys to your kingdom.”

Since passwords are your first line of defense, having strong passwords is an important first step to protecting your accounts from fraud. Passwords are used daily to access accounts or applications and a password lacking complexity is more likely to be compromised. 

Strong Passwords

Strong passwords should consist of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additional tips to follow are below:

• Prioritize password length and complexity.
• Avoid using words that can be found in the dictionary.
• Make your password random and unique.
• Don’t include personal information.

Protect Your Passwords

• Don’t share your passwords with anyone.
• Avoid writing down your passwords or storing them in plain sight.
• Use a password manager to conveniently manage strong passwords over multiple platforms.

Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA or 2FA)

Strong passwords are essential, but enabling and using multi-factor authentication provides you with an additional level of security. This method requires you to provide two or more pieces of evidence to verify your identity and gain access to an application. 

How does MFA work?

Each part must come from a different category: something you know (e.g., a password,) something you have (e.g., a text message code sent to your phone,) or something that uniquely identifies who you are (e.g., a fingerprint.)

MFA is a great tool to protect accounts from unauthorized access if one piece of information is compromised.

Monitor Your Accounts

Regularly reviewing your accounts for unknown or unauthorized transactions is a best practice to keep your accounts protected. Adding account alerts keeps you informed with every transaction that occurs. If you’re alerted to a transaction you don’t recognize, immediately contact that company.

If you identify an unknown transaction on your LPL account, immediately contact your financial advisor or call the LPL client line (800) 558-7567 for additional information about that transaction.