Former CIA Expert Says These Are the Extreme Measures You Need to Take to Protect Yourself From Password Hackers

While complex passwords are more annoying to remember (because we have SO many to keep track of these days), you could decrease your chances of getting hacked if you spend a *little bit* more time crafting the perfect password.

And former CIA officer Jason Hanson stopped by our show to teach us how to do just that!

RELATED: 3 Simple Escape Tactics From a Former CIA Agent That Could Save Your Life

According the founder and CEO of Spy Escape & Evasion, a secure password should meet the following criteria:

1. Pick the first two things you see (It can be anything!)

2. Mix up letters and replace them with numbers and punctuation

3. Make it a minimum of 12-14 characters

4. Mix numbers, symbols and upper and lowercase letters

For example, Jason transformed RACHAELRAYFOOD into a more secure password, like so: RahCAE7rAYF#!D

"That's a password nobody’s going to hack," the safety pro says.

It looks complicated and time-consuming, we know, but just think of the long-term benefits of having a secure password!

Plus, Jason says there *are* safe ways to keep track of all your passwords.

"There are services online where you can store them -- password vaults," he explains. "Also, I know people who go old-school and just write them on paper and keep them in a safe in their house."

One place where you shouldn’t store them. though? The Notes app on your phone, like Rach’s husband John admits he does.

Major no-no, John, major no-no!