F R O M T H E C L E R K O F C O U R T & C O M P T R O L L E R C i n d y S t u a r t – C l e r k o f C o u r t & C o m p t r o l l e r , T h i r t e e n t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t
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Most authentication is performed using a password . However , more accounts are giving the option to use a secondary method of authentication like using a code texted to your phone . This has become a very popular form of two-factor authentication at home or for personal use , and helps secure your account in case your password is compromised .
At the Clerk ’ s office , we require complex passwords and two-factor authentication to access our networks and systems . We require passwords with 12 characters and complexity that would take 226 years to crack with today ’ s computers . Two years ago , cracking the same password would have taken 24,000 years . However , with advanced computers , and without two-factor authentication , these same passwords could likely be cracked almost instantly in the not-so-distant future .
You can apply some of the same methods the Clerk ’ s office uses to safeguard information in your personal life .
• Find out if your account provides the ability to use two-factor authentication .
• If you can use two-factor authentication , enable it and use a device such as a cell phone .
• If you are unable to use two-factor authentication , make sure you have a strong password that is unique from all of your other accounts . Our IT professionals say passwords with 6 or fewer characters can be cracked instantly regardless of complexity .
Remember much of the transactional work you do online or within the courts and government agencies can become public records and therefore viewable and accessible . For example , marriage licenses , property deeds , tax deeds , and evictions are all public records . You should be diligent in making sure these documents are accurate in any system and that you protect your credit cards , banking information , social security , and driver ’ s license numbers .
If you have questions or concerns regarding personal information you may find on our website , please reach out to our offices at hillsclerk . com for assistance . n
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