Hacking has become common these days. Here are few tips that can ensure yourprivate information stays private.

It is just not big news anymore if a business leader finds his social mediaaccount hacked. And why should it be, when even tech bosses aren't protected fromhackers? So, when Google CEO Sundar Pichai's Quora account was hacked onMonday, we were not surprised. Pichai's account was reportedly hacked by the samegroup who broke into Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Twitter and Pinterestaccounts.

When even tech CEOs are vulnerable, is anyone safe from cyber breaches?Probably yes, if we follow Sunita Mohanty, director, trust and safety, Google India.Mohanty tells ETPanache that hacking has become common these days and multipleplatforms not only mean more connectivity but also more risk. She shares a few tipsthat can ensure your private information stays private.

1. Create strong passwords

'password', '123456' or 'abc123' are terrible passwords because they're easyto guess. One way to build a strong password is to think of a phrase or sentence thatother people wouldn't know and then use that to build your password. For example,think of a personal message like "I want to see more Indian women in technology"and then build your password from numbers, symbols and the first letters of eachword—'iw2sm!w!T'.

2. Secure your passwords

Just like you wouldn't use the same key for your home, car and office, youshould never use the same password across different websites. Some websites allowyou to add an extra layer of security to your account by enabling a one-timepassword. Often referred to as an 'OTP', this will require you to enter another 'key'or code to unlock your account in addition to your password.

3. Recall value

Once you've created a strong password for each of your online accounts, itcan be a challenge to remember them all. So consider using a trusted passwordmanager that encrypts and saves your passwords and can be accessed with a singlepassword and an OTP.

4. Update your recovery options

If you do forget your password or get locked out, you need a way to get backinto your account. Many services will send an email to you at a recovery emailaddress if you need to reset your password. So it's important to make sure yourrecovery email address is up-to-date and is linked to an account you can still access.

5. Phone-y business

Sometimes you can also add a phone number to your profile to receive acode to reset your password via SMS. Your mobile phone is a more secureidentification method than your recovery email address or a security questionbecause, unlike the other two, you have physical possession of your mobile phone.

6. Check your settings

Social networking sites allow you to share photos, videos, status updates andmuch more. Many of these services offer privacy settings and controls that help youdecide who can see your content before you post it. Use it.