Using passwords to access websites and use online services has become routine. But while the use of passwords is intended to prevent unauthorized entry to a site or to secure personal information, "unsafe" passwords can leave you vulnerable to both cyber and human thieves.

Vertrue Incorporated, whose subsidiary offers access to savings and services through online shopping programs, offers tips for easily creating safe online passwords. Some of these online shopping programs are password-protected, and program members have the option to use security and credit protection services. Here are some key tips from Vertrue about choosing a secure password:

Stay away from the obvious. It's easy for you to remember your pet's name, or your kids' names, but it's also easy for someone to guess those passwords.
Vertrue also warns against using the same password for your login and password – not a good idea, but people still do it, and many pay the price.

Choose a secure password that is not easy to guess. Vertrue has these basic rules for creating safe, or strong, passwords:
• The longer the better. Make your password at least 8 characters.
• Add variety – upper and lower case letters, symbols, numbers, etc. Try to use characters from all over the keyboard.
• Avoid words you can find in the dictionary.
• Create different passwords for different accounts.
• Do not substitute symbols for similar letters, such as @ for the word "at." According to Vertrue, hackers look for these common symbols.

Practice online safety. If you record your passwords, name and store the document under a hard-to-guess name. Do not write passwords on notes left on your desk that anyone passing by could read.

Also, when using your credit or debit cards online thoroughly check out what you are purchasing before you give your credit or debit card information. In recent court rulings, cases were dismissed in which consumers claimed they did not authorize certain Internet credit or debit card purchases charged by Vertrue’s subsidiary. Courts found that the company’s disclosures were clear and that such consumers provided their express authorization for the charges. If you have questions about any online purchase, Vertrue advises you read the page carefully, or call the company and ask questions.

Creating a secure password is just one part of protecting your information online, but it is the critical first step. Locate a password checker online that will indicate the strength of your password. A strong password is a good defense against having your password stolen and leaving your accounts open to theft.