Even complex passwords are getting easy to break if they're too short. That's because today's inexpensive computer chips have the power of supercomputers from the year 2000.

Privacy and encryption work, but it's too easy to make a mistake that exposes you.

In computer circles, any unencrypted data is known as 'cleartext.'

NSA surveillance is a complex subject - legally, technically and operationally.

If you do write down your passwords, don't make it obvious which password corresponds to which account. Even better, write the passwords incorrectly and make up an easy rule for fixing them. You could decide to add 1 to each number in your password, so that 2x6Y is written as 3x7Y.

Most computers today have built in backup software.