Account Security

No lock in the world can keep out a dedicated thief. The recent security breach at Linden Lab goes to show that we must all be vigilant about the security of our data and personal information. Here are 5 tips for keeping your Second Life account as secure as possible.

1. * Never share your password. Ever. Don't write your password down or put it on a sticky note next to your computer. If you have roommates or visitors or share a computer with others, don't save your password in the login field of the Second Life program or the Second Life website. If you step away from your computer, always log out of Second Life and our website. Linden Lab staff cannot see you password and will never ask you for it.
2. Change your password frequently. Login to secondlife.com and click on the Password link on your Account page. Choose a password that is personal and memorable -- without being guessable. Do not choose a password that would be easy for someone to guess, especially someone who knows you. Do use a combination of letters and numbers. Use a password that is different from what you use on other services.
3. * Do not share accounts or create accounts for other people. It is part of Second Life policy and culture to have one user per account. Don't share your security answer or date of birth with anyone. At the time of registration, you must provide an accurate date of birth and a memorable, un-guessable security answer. This helps us keep others from accessing your account by claiming to be you or claiming to have your permission.
4. Do not give your credit card, PayPal, or personal information to anyone in Second Life via chat or IM, in email, over the phone. Linden Lab only accepts credit card and PayPal information through our secure web form, and we will not ask you for this information in an IM, email, or phone call.
5. Keep your contact information up to date, especially your email address. This allows us to contact you should any questions arise about your account. If you forget your password, you must have a valid email address and know the answer to your security question in order to reset your password.

Linden Lab is doing everything possible to keep your account information private and secure. Please help us by doing your part. For current security news, please visit our blog.

* Note: Doing these things is in violation of the Terms of Service and could result in account cancellation and banning from Second Life.