How to keep your Prolific account secure

Your Prolific participant account is your gateway to earning money while sharing your knowledge, time, and experiences with researchers. So it’s critical to keep it secure.

Your password is your first line of defense. It encrypts your data, secures your account, and ensures that only you can access the information you've given Prolific.

By following these guidelines and maintaining good password hygiene, you can continue to earn money and contribute to groundbreaking research with peace of mind, knowing your account is well-protected.

Why having a strong password matters

Think of your password as the key to your digital wallet. Just as you wouldn't use a flimsy lock to protect your physical belongings, you shouldn't rely on a weak password to secure your online earnings.

Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated every day, and they know that many people reuse passwords across different websites. If your password gets compromised on one site, attackers could potentially access your other accounts, including Prolific.

Password don'ts: Common mistakes to avoid

Before we dive into what makes a strong password, let's look at some common mistakes that could put your account at risk:

1. Using predictable patterns
   • Don't use keyboard patterns like "qwerty" or number sequences like "12345"
   • Avoid common words with numbers added (like "password123")
   • Stay away from obvious substitutions (like "p@ssw0rd")
2. Including personal information
   • Your name, birthday, or pet's name are not the safest options
   • Family members' names or important dates are too easy to guess
   • Social media details that anyone could find should never be used
3. Risky password management
   • Don't store passwords in your browser without additional security
   • Avoid keeping password lists on your desktop or in unsecured files
   • Never write passwords on sticky notes near your computer
   • Don’t reuse passwords across different websites
4. Public Wi-Fi habits
   • Don't log into your account on public Wi-Fi without proper protection
   • Avoid saving passwords on public or shared computers
   • Never share your password with anyone, even if they claim to be from Prolific

Building a strong password: Your guide to better security

Now that you know what to avoid, here's how to create and maintain a secure password that will help protect your Prolific account:

1. Length is strength
   • Aim for at least 12-16 characters
   • Remember: Having a longer password is more important than having a shorter, more complex one with symbols or numbers
   • The longer your password, the harder it is to crack, even without special characters
2. Create a memorable passphrase
   • Combine random words to create a unique passphrase
   • Example: "PurpleMountainBicycleMonocle"
   • This approach creates length while remaining memorable
   • Add numbers or special characters if you want extra security
3. Use a password manager
   • Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords
   • These tools can create complex, unique passwords for every account
   • They'll remember your passwords so you don't have to
   • Many password managers are free and extremely secure
4. Regular maintenance
   • Change your password immediately if you suspect it's been compromised
   • Never share your password, even with trusted friends or family

Ready to secure your account?

Take a moment to review your current password. Does it meet the criteria above?

If not, take 2 minutes to create a stronger one. Your future self (and your earnings) will thank you.

Update your password now