Setting up a safe password for your email address is crucial, and choosing a password that is too simple to decipher is a terrible idea.

Even while gmail sign up  it's rare that a single person will attack your account, there are automated hacking systems that will try to compromise a large number of email accounts. Once inside, they can cause trouble by sending spam emails, for example.

The general rule is to avoid using passwords that are obvious to hackers, such as the name of your pet, your date of birth, the name of your favorite football team, etc. We have some advice on how to create secure passwords here. Simple passphrases with three or more syllables, such "umbrella kitten pink," are simple to memorize and far more difficult for automated hacking tools to decipher.

Even better, have a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane create and manage your incredibly safe passwords for you. More details on password managers may be found here.

Avoid using common number combinations like "12345" or "0000," as well as your own surname, birthday, and the word "password." These are all simple to hack.