By: Katie Hand

Most of us have dozens of online accounts for everything from shopping and streaming to social media and banking. With so many profiles, it can be tempting to choose a username that is quick and easy to remember. Unfortunately, usernames that are too simple can also be easy for cybercriminals to guess.

Your username is not a password, but it is part of your account’s first layer of protection. If it is predictable, such as your name, birthday, or other public information, you make it easier for someone to get halfway into your account. Once they know your username, all they need to do is figure out your password to gain full access to your information. This is a major security risk to all of your accounts, but especially for online banking. Here are a few practical ways to make your username both secure and manageable:

Best Practices for Creating a Strong Username

1. Avoid personal information

Do not use your name, birthday, address, or other easily findable information. These details are often easy to obtain through social media or public records. A username combining your first initial and full last name is usually an easy first guess for hackers.

2. Make it unique

Combine letters, numbers, and symbols in ways that are not easy to guess. Even a small twist on a common phrase can make your username much stronger.

3. Keep it different from your password

Your username should never mirror your password. Keeping them separate adds an extra layer of protection.

4. Do not reuse across all accounts

If you use the same username everywhere, it becomes easier for someone to link your accounts together. Create completely different usernames for your most important accounts, such as banking or email.

5. Update occasionally

Just as you change your passwords, it is a good idea to refresh your username from time to time, especially on accounts that hold sensitive information.

Why It Matters

It may seem like your username is a minor detail, but in online security, small details can add up. A unique, unpredictable username makes it harder for unauthorized users to gain access to your accounts.

Take some time to review the usernames you currently use. Would your current username be easy for someone else to guess? If the answer is yes, consider changing them to something more secure.

If you are worried that a complex username and password will be difficult to remember, consider using a password manager. A password manager is software that helps you create strong usernames and passwords and stores them securely. Strong online security is built on consistent, simple habits, and updating your usernames is one step that can significantly improve your overall protection.