How secure are your passwords? Is yours on this list?

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 by-product 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 most people use -- like "password," "123456," your phone number, or your kid's or pet's name -- all of which are not recommended for obvious reasons. Click here (or see below) for a list of the most commonly used passwords, according to computer security software company ZoneAlarm. Is yours here? Time to change it.

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 Adele's Someone Like You from the album "21" becomes "ASLY21." This should be easy to remember. Better yet, add an "!," "&" or "*" at the end or beginning, or both.

* 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. And 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."