Technology Tip: Password Protection

Technology Tip:

Password Protection

Today, almost everyone’s information is easily accessible through the internet.  Some may say the “Information age” is a great time to be alive.  But as always there is a bad side to this as well.  That same technology that makes it possible for us to search the knowledge of the human race also makes it possible and easy for others to get a hold of your personal information.  

When it comes to computers and the internet we are challenged to come up with numerous Usernames and Passwords to protect all of our personal information.  The challenge is coming up with a username and password that will be easy for you to remember but impossible for someone else to figure out.  Below are some helpful tips: 

Here is a website that has a list of specifically “bad/common” passwords: http://www.webdevelopersnotes.com/blog/most-common-passwords/  

                                          

If someone wanted to “crack” your password using computer software they would probably check all of these kinds of passwords first.  For the advanced “password cracker” there are actually huge lists of common passwords available online.  Here's a link to more information about how passwords are cracked:  http://geodsoft.com/howto/password/cracking_passwords.htm

Now, you might be wondering, what makes for a good password?  Here are some suggestions of how to make one:  

1)   Avoid common names, dates, phone numbers or things easily associated with you.

2)   Avoid common words or phrases as they would be the first thing checked by password cracking software.

3)   Use a combination of numbers and letters.  For example, substitute numbers for letters and letters for numbers in a word or phrase.

4)   Make it something you can remember all by yourself.  Do not write it down anywhere!

5)   Don not use naturally occurring keyboard sequences (“qwerty” for example)

6)   Try to make it at least 8 - 16 characters long.  (The longer the password the better.)

7)   Plan on changing your password often.  Experts suggest changing your passwords at least every 6 months. 

Whether it’s about protecting the money in your bank account or just accessing your email online, you’ll need to have good usernames and passwords to protect yourself.  Choose wisely. 

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