If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve no doubt read up on all of the computer attacks, data breaches and cases of identity theft. Consider it a byproduct of the information age.

The first line of defense is creating a strong password, whether it’s to unlock your computer or smartphone, protect your wireless network, log in to websites, or secure your voicemail.

Creating a strong password isn’t difficult, but it does take a little more imagination than the common ones like “password,” “123456,” your phone number, or your kid’s or pet’s name -- all of which are not recommended for obvious reasons.

The following are a few suggestions for password creation, management and protection:

• A strong password is at least seven characters long and contains a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. The same password shouldn’t be used for all of your online activities.
• Remember that single-word passwords are easier to break than multiple-word passwords. Instead of “monkey,” for example, use something like “orangemonkey” or “bigmonkeyface.” Alternatively, use the first letter from a phrase, say, from a favorite song -- so Bruno Mars’ “Liquor Store Blues feat. Damian Marley” becomes “LSBFDM.” This should be easy to remember. Better yet, add a number and symbol too.
• Because it’s recommended not to use the same password for everything, come up with a system to better remember the password for each of your online accounts. You can do this by adding a relevant letter to the front, middle or end of the password -- such as “B” for banking, “S” for shopping, “F” for Facebook or “D” for an online dating site. If it’s difficult to remember your passwords, use a trusted password manager program that requires only a master password to get in.
• Every so often, change up your passwords just to keep malicious types on their toes. Every couple of months Don’t share your password. A recent Facebook report showed that tweens and teens frequently give out their passwords to friends and don’t change it after they’ve had a falling out.
• Use two-step authentication when possible. For example, you can require Google to ask for a short verification code that will be texted or sent to you via the Google Authenticator app.
• If you’re using a public computer at a library or airport lounge, be sure you don’t accidentally click “Remember my password.”