Internet users need to "get creative" with their passwords in order to make life difficult for online hackers, according to tech correspondent Jess Kelly.

Since 2004, more than 9.5 billion passwords have been leaked – giving hackers access to key information.

On Newstalk Breakfast, Jess said many people are still using simple passwords, despite knowing the safety risks.

"This is a big issue because we've been talking about it for such a long time," she said.

"So much of our lives now live in our digital accounts, and if they're not protected properly, you can be compromised.

"If somebody got access to your email account, very often, you know very sensitive information goes through our emails.

"As much as I hate to keep going on about the old passwords, it is time to update your password to something that is not 'password123' – and I don't mean 'password1234'."

Combinations

Jess said internet users need to be "more creative" with their passwords.

"Don't keep using the same thing," she said.

"Don't have the same combination of email address and password for everything."

Jess recalled a story of hearing a woman listing off her old passwords in a public space in an attempt to recall one that she had forgotten.

"I understand that there's a frustration sometimes when the tech just doesn't work," she said.

"But you need to look at your passwords like the keys to your house, and you wouldn't leave them down on a coffee table with your address next to it."

Vulnerability

In order to verify whether or not your data has been breached, Jess recommends haveIbeenpwned.com.

"It's worth putting your email address in and it will tell you if you've been compromised," she said.

"The other good news is that passwords may be on the way out – they could be completely phased out in the next few years.

"It's not a foolproof system and it will mean that two-step authentication on a number of services.

"There may be some teething issues, but for the moment, just please do a bit of an audit and make sure that your passwords are as secure as they can be."