Passwords
As Christmas
approaches, many of you might be getting a new PC or know someone who will be
doing the same. This can be an exciting time except for one problem: security.
Unfortunately you can't--or should for that matter--everyone on the Internet.
There are people out there who want to steal from you. With proper safe guards,
you can greatly reduce your susceptibility to this crime.
One of the most effective things you can do to safeguard your computer is your
password. When you create any account on the Internet, whether it be a free
email account or access to a website, you will be asked for a password. I know
many people who make these passwords way too easy to guess. This is akin to
leaving your door locked with the key hanging next to it. Your password is your
only means of protection. It should be difficult to guess, but easy for you to
remember. Here are some suggestions to help you in creating and keeping your
password secure:
·
Use
at least eight characters in the password
·
Use
alphanumeric characters (letters, numbers, and symbols)
·
Use
upper and lowercase letters. Mix them throughout the password
·
Don't
use easy-to-guess words or personal information(i.e. mother's maiden name,
child's name, pet's name). These are too easy to guess
·
Don't
use common words
·
Don't
let Windows remember your password
·
Use
random keystrokes from your keyboard that are easy to remember
·
Change
your password often; don't reuse passwords
·
Think
of a common phrase and use its acronym as your password. For example:
"Four Score and Seven Years Ago" could be 4SaSevYa. This is easy to
remember, but nearly impossible to guess.
Be careful where you write it down. Better yet, look for a password collection
application. I use eWallet from Ilium (www. iliumsoft.com). With this
application you create cards for various applications (e.g. credit cards,
websites, etc). You then enter your password and other personal information.
The application itself is password protected.
With some thought in password creation, you will add a level of security to
your Internet surfing.
Revised: 03/26/2005 3:21 PM