Privacy Policy

The following describes the Privacy Policy for Advantage Intelligent Marketing website.

Our Privacy Policy Begins with Your Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this privacy policy notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. You agree to agree to these policies by virtue of using our website in a way that leads to you providing us with personal information.

State Law & Accompanying Rights

Please understand that you may have additional rights originating from State laws based on where you live. These State-based rights may augment, strengthen, or otherwise somehow compliment any privacy rights you have inherently or under Federal law. Our policy is to comply fully with the privacy policies of every jurisdiction in which we operate. Accordingly, you are free to use our Contact information to reach us at any time to assert any State rights.

Our Commitment To Children’s Privacy

Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, our website will never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 18, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 18.

Under our Terms of Service and Conditions of Use, children under 18 are not allowed to use our website and access our services. It is not our intention to offer products or services to minors.

Google Analytics

Advantage Intelligent Marketing uses Google Analytics to help analyze how users use the site. The tool uses “cookies,” which are text files placed on your computer, to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behavior information in an anonymous form. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website (including your IP address) is transmitted to Google. This information is then used to evaluate visitors’ use of this website and to compile statistical reports on website activity.

We will never (and will not allow any third party to) use the statistical analytics tool to track or to collect any Personally Identifiable Information of visitors to our site. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. Neither we nor Google will link, or seek to link, an IP address with the identity of a computer user.

You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser, however please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above.

Other Collection of Personal Information

When visiting our website, the IP address used to access our website may be logged along with the dates and times of access. This information is purely used to analyze trends, administer our website, track users movement, and gather broad demographic information for internal use such as statistical assessments and website improvement. Most importantly, any recorded IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.

Other information may be collected as well, which is rather typical of most websites. For instance, the source that referred you to our website is generally known. Likewise, your duration on our website, and your destination when you leave our website can also be tracked. Other common data collected includes the type of operating system the computer you are using to access our website has. Similarly, the type of web browser is often noted. Again, this is common data collection, and helps ultimately produce a better end-user experience.

Cookies are another common internet practice. Cookies are a key means of improving user experience by allows us to customize your use of our website. Simple information is transferred to your computer to allow the content and experience to reflect your actions, preferences, and so on. You should simply make the assumption our website uses cookies, and note that you are free to make adjustments in your web browser to disable these or otherwise receive notification of cookies so you can take whatever desired action you so choose. Please understand that refusing cookies may cripple some of our website features and render some aspects useless to you.

At times, you will be fully aware of information received, as you are the direct source providing it. For instance, you may comment on a blog post, reply to an email (whether broadcast message or autoresponder), provide an email address, complete a survey, requests SMS, or otherwise. Likewise, purchases necessarily involve collecting certain information, such as credit card information, billing addresses, your physical address for billing and/or shipping, phone number, and so on. Refusing to provide some of this information may lead to us being unable to provide you with the products or services you’ve requested.

A prime example of limited access to our website is where content may be protected by a username and password. Whether a username and password is generated by our website, or created by you, these will almost always be connected with some other information related to or connected with you. This is true since much content that is protected on the internet is subscription based, often paid for. Thus, the username and password must necessarily be tied to your other account data. Usernames and passwords, by their very nature, should be kept private.

Handling of Personal Information

Note that any personal information you provide to others apart from us or our vendors is wholly optional. As an example, you might disclose something in a blog post comment. That “private” information is now “public,” and we have no control over that. In like fashion, you sharing information with any other third party not functioning as a service provider to us puts that information beyond our control and becomes subject to the privacy policy that party has in place.

Our primary intention for collecting personal and private information from you is simply to conduct our business. We can use this internally to better serve you. Accordingly, we see no reason to share your personal information to other parties and outside interests unless you have authorized us to do so.

Of course, there are instances where your information is stored with third party service providers, such as email service providers, as they provide services that are industry-leading in quality and security and are far more beneficial to our end user than attempting such services “in-house.” However, you are never required to deal with any such third party directly, they are limited in how they use your information, and they cannot sell or transfer it to others in any way.

However, of course, your information does comprise part of an overall whole. This aggregate of information, by contrast, may be used to understand our overall user base. Further, we may share this information about our website visitors as a whole, not individually, with third parties for various purposes, in our sole discretion.

While we are staunch privacy policy advocates, there are times when even we may be forced to abandon these ideals. Just as major search engines face ongoing compulsion to provide data against their will, so too may the same occur with our website. Illegal activity or other serious acts or allegations could create legal liability for our website. In those cases, we reserve the right to share your information, or else may simply be compelled to do so by law.

On the other hand, there may be times when we would need to share your private information in order to protect our own interests. For instance, in cases of suspected or alleged copyright infringement or other intellectual property violations, it may be necessary to share personal information.

Google Adsense and the DoubleClick DART Cookie

Google, as a third party advertisement vendor, may use cookies to serve ads on this website. The use of DART cookies by Google enables them to serve adverts to visitors that are based on their visits to this website, including past visits, as well as other websites on the internet.

To opt out of the DART cookies you may visit the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following url http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html Tracking of users through the DART cookie mechanisms are subject to Google’s own privacy policies.

Other Third Party ad servers or ad networks may also use cookies to track users activities on this website to measure advertisement effectiveness and other reasons that will be provided in their own privacy policies, our website has no access or control over these cookies that may be used by third party advertisers. However, you can opt out of some, though likely not all, of these cookies in one easy location at http://ww.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp

Links to Third Party Websites

We have included links on this website for your use and reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites. You should be aware that the privacy policies of these websites may differ from our own.

Comments Policy

As you know, Web 2.0 is all about the conversation. But without a few simple ground rules, that conversation can turn into a shouting match that discourages others from entering into the fray.

So here is Advantage Intelligent Marketing comments policy. By posting on my blog, you agree to the following:

You may comment without registering. You can log-in via Disqus, OpenID, Twitter, Facebook—or not at all. It’s up to you. You may post anonymously. I don’t recommend this, but you may do so if you wish. I may change this rule if it is abused.
You may post follow-up questions. If you have a question, chances are you are not alone. Others are likely thinking similarly. Therefore, I would rather receive your comments on Advantage Intelligent Marketing than via email. It is a better use of my time to address everyone at once rather than answer several similar emails.
You may disagree with me. I welcome debate. However, I ask that if you disagree with me—or anyone else, for that matter—do so in a way that is respectful. In my opinion, there is way too much shouting in the public square to tolerate it here.
Advantage Intelligent Marketing reserves the right to delete your comments. This is my blog. I don’t have an obligation to publish your comments. The First Amendment gives you the right to express your opinions on your blog not mine. Specifically, I will delete your comments if you post something that is, in my sole opinion, (a)snarky; (b) off-topic; (c) libelous, defamatory, abusive, harassing, threatening, profane, pornographic, offensive, false, misleading, or which otherwise violates or encourages others to violate my sense of decorum and civility or any law, including intellectual property laws; or (d) “spam,” i.e., an attempt to advertise, solicit, or otherwise promote goods and services. You may, however, post a link to your site or your most recent blog post.
You retain ownership of your comments. I do not own them and I expressly disclaim any and all liability that may result from them. By commenting on my site, you agree that you retain all ownership rights in what you post here and that you will relieve me from any and all liability that may result from those postings. You grant Advantage Intelligent Marketing a license to post your comments. This license is worldwide, irrevocable, non-exclusive, and royalty-free. You grant me the right to store, use, transmit, display, publish, reproduce, and distribute your comments in any format, including but not limited to a blog, in a book, a video, or presentation.

In short, my goal is to host interesting conversations with caring, honest, and respectful people. I believe this simple comments policy will facilitate this.

CHANGE NOTICE: As with any of our administrative and legal notice pages, the contents of this page and/or our privacy policy can and will change over time. Accordingly, this page could read differently as of your very next visit. These changes are necessitated, and carried out by Advantage Intelligent Marketing, in order to protect you and our Advantage Intelligent Marketing website. If this page and our privacy policy is important to you, you should check back frequently as no other notice of changed content will be provided either before or after the change takes effect.

COPYRIGHT WARNING: The legal notices and administrative pages on this website, including this one, have been diligently drafted by an attorney. We at Advantage Intelligent Marketing have paid to license the use of these legal notices and administrative pages on Advantage Intelligent Marketing for your protection and ours. This material may not be used in any way for any reason and unauthorized use is policed via Copyscape to detect violators.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS: If you have any questions about our privacy policy or the contents of this page, or simply wish to reach us for any other reason, you may do so by following this link: https://advantageintelligent.com/

By continuing to browse or by closing this window, you accept the use of cookies.

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General Advice

Locking the Vault – The Importance of Strong Passwords and How to Make Them Stick

by Jeff Dennings | Nov 13, 2024

Imagine this: you’re at a coffee shop, trying to log in to your online banking, when it hits you—what was the password again? You try “password123” (nope), then “mydogfido” (still nope). After a few failed attempts and a mounting sense of dread, you finally type in that one password you swore you’d never forget… but you have. Exasperated, you eventually click “Forgot Password” and go through the whole rigmarole again.

As frustrating as this moment might feel, it’s also a reminder that our passwords are both our biggest security and our biggest headache. Easy-to-remember passwords might make login quicker, but they’re also magnets for hackers. And while “password123” may roll off the fingers, it won’t stop a determined cybercriminal. Let’s talk about why strong passwords are crucial and how you can create passwords that are both secure and memorable.

Why Strong Passwords Matter

In today’s world, everything from our banking information to social media accounts is protected by a password. If someone gets access to these accounts, they can do serious damage—like making unauthorized purchases, stealing personal information, or even hijacking your identity.

The real problem is that cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated. They use automated programs to try millions of password combinations until they break into accounts, which means that common or weak passwords are no match for their tools. Once a password is cracked, a whole world of personal data could be at risk.

Think of your password as the key to your digital “vault.” You wouldn’t protect a vault full of valuables with a flimsy padlock, right? The same goes for your passwords. A strong, unique password is your first—and often best—line of defense against potential cyber threats.

The Anatomy of a Strong Password

A strong password has several characteristics that make it harder for hackers to guess or crack:

Length: Longer passwords are inherently more secure than shorter ones. Aim for at least 12 characters, but more is always better.
Complexity: A good password should include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Unpredictability: Avoid common phrases, words, or sequential patterns (e.g., “abc123” or “qwerty”).
Uniqueness: Each account should have a different password to prevent a breach in one account from compromising others.

While these guidelines might sound straightforward, the challenge is creating passwords that meet these standards and are still easy to remember. But fear not; we’ve got some practical techniques that balance security and memory.

Techniques for Creating Strong, Memorable Passwords

Use a “Passphrase” Rather Than a Password

A passphrase is a sequence of random words or a simple sentence that’s longer and easier to remember. Think of it as a mini-story or a mental image that’s harder for attackers to guess.

For example:

Instead of “fido1234” (which is too weak), try something like “DancingPineapple!OnMyDesk” or “FourRedBoatsAndOneBlue.”

Passphrases like these are long, complex, and have a variety of characters. Plus, the mental image of a “Dancing Pineapple” is memorable enough that you won’t forget it easily!

Turn Sentences into Strong Passwords

One clever technique is to think of a phrase or sentence that’s meaningful to you and then use the first letter of each word, plus some substitutions, to create a unique password.

For example:

Sentence: “I love my coffee at 6 AM every morning!”
Password: “Ilmc@6AMEvM!”

This password is complex and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, but it’s also easy to remember because you’re recalling a personal sentence.

Use Deliberate Misspellings or Replacements

Hackers often use “dictionary attacks,” where they try thousands of common words to guess your password. By misspelling words or adding substitutions, you can make your password much more secure.

For example:

Instead of “sunflower,” use “$unfL0wer!”
Or take “happybirthday” and turn it into “H@ppyB1rthd@y2024.”

The use of numbers, symbols, and deliberate misspellings adds complexity while keeping the core word recognizable enough for you to remember.

Use Patterns on Your Keyboard

This technique involves creating a pattern on your keyboard as a mnemonic device.

For example:

Start with a letter, then go diagonally across the keyboard to build a pattern. Something like “Qaz@3edc$5rfv&” might seem random, but it follows a pattern on your keyboard.

While this approach can make a strong password, avoid using overly simple patterns (like straight rows or columns) that could still be guessable.

Create Passwords Based on Meaningful Dates with Complex Additions

This technique leverages dates that are meaningful to you but aren’t easy for others to guess (avoid birthdays or anniversaries since those are often easy to find on social media).

For example:

You could take a date like “1979” and pair it with the title of a favorite song or hobby. A password like “DiscoKing1979!” or “BikeRider1979%” can combine meaning and complexity.

Storing and Managing Your Passwords

Once you start creating unique passwords for every account, the next challenge is remembering them all! Here are some safe and effective ways to manage your passwords:

Use a Password Manager

A password manager is like a digital vault for all your passwords, meaning you only have to remember one master password. Many password managers even generate strong passwords for you, saving you the trouble of coming up with unique combinations.

Popular options include LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden. These tools are encrypted, which adds an extra layer of security, and they’re convenient to use across devices.

Store a Secure Backup

For those who prefer old-school methods, writing down passwords can work—but it’s critical to store them somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or safe. Avoid leaving them on sticky notes near your computer or in easily accessible places.

Use Built-In Browser Password Managers (with Caution)

Most modern browsers offer to save your passwords, which can be convenient. While these are reasonably secure, remember that if your computer gets compromised, so does this list. Use this method only if you’ve also set up two-factor authentication and a strong system password on your computer.

Updating and Refreshing Passwords Regularly

Even strong passwords should be changed occasionally, especially for important accounts like banking or email. Think of it as changing the lock on your door every so often—while it may not seem necessary, it’s an added step of security against anyone who might have gained access.

A good rule of thumb is to update passwords every 6-12 months, especially for accounts with sensitive information.

Why Simple Passwords Are a Bad Idea

Using simple passwords like “123456” or “password” is like leaving your door unlocked. Hackers often try these common passwords first because they’re so widely used and predictable. Statistics show that weak passwords are the most common way for attackers to access accounts—making it worth the effort to create something strong and unique.

The Future of Passwords: Two-Factor Authentication and Biometric Options

As cyber threats continue to evolve, new layers of protection are becoming more common. Many services now offer two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires you to verify your login through a second device, adding an extra layer of security.

Biometric authentication, like fingerprint or facial recognition, is also on the rise. While passwords remain the primary form of protection, combining them with these newer methods makes your accounts even more secure.

Conclusion

Strong passwords are more than a best practice—they’re your first line of defense in protecting your digital life. By using methods like passphrases, meaningful substitutions, and password managers, you can create unique, secure passwords without the headache of forgetting them every other week. Of course if you’re using a secure password manager app, you can always use an online password generator to be provided with strong passwords.

The next time you log into an account, think about the strength of your password. Is it something you’d be proud to protect your “vault” with? Or is it time to upgrade from “password123”? Taking a few moments to create stronger, more secure passwords now could save you from a world of hassle later. Keep up-to-date with our other General Advice articles.

← Previous Article

Phishing 101: The Art of Hooking Victims & How You Can Stay Off the Hook

by Jeff Dennings | Oct 26, 2024

Let me tell you about a time when I almost got phished. It was an ordinary Tuesday morning, and my inbox was overflowing with messages—newsletters I didn’t remember subscribing to, promotional offers, and, of course, the occasional work email. Then, there it was: an...

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Locking the Vault – The Importance of Strong Passwords and How to Make Them Stick

Why Strong Passwords Matter

The Anatomy of a Strong Password

Techniques for Creating Strong, Memorable Passwords

Use a “Passphrase” Rather Than a Password

Turn Sentences into Strong Passwords

Use Deliberate Misspellings or Replacements

Use Patterns on Your Keyboard

Create Passwords Based on Meaningful Dates with Complex Additions

Storing and Managing Your Passwords

Use a Password Manager

Store a Secure Backup

Use Built-In Browser Password Managers (with Caution)

Updating and Refreshing Passwords Regularly

Why Simple Passwords Are a Bad Idea

The Future of Passwords: Two-Factor Authentication and Biometric Options

Conclusion

Related Articles

Phishing 101: The Art of Hooking Victims & How You Can Stay Off the Hook

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