TechDiY.net

Is your password secure?

Passwords are the most common forms of data access control that we have.  They are very easy to implement, but they are also very easy to crack if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Most users don’t know or don’t want to make complex passwords.  “They are too difficult to remember” or “they have too many passwords to manage” are the common excuses.

Here are some tips to help you create and manage better passwords:

1. You can have all your online passwords the same IF they are complex and you change them regularly
2. Passwords should change every 60 days at least.  Set a reminder in Outlook to change your passwords regularly.
3. Take the complexity out of complex passwords with phrases.  Use a quote from a favorite movie, television show, or book.  An example would be:
   “I suggest a new strategy, R2. Let the wookiee win.” could be turned into “IsAns,R2. LtWW!“  Make sure to use the spaces and punctuation if at all possible.  That will increase the strength of your password.
4. Make them ridiculous… they are easier to remember that way.
5. Never write down your passwords! Use a password took like KeePass (it’s FREE!) There are also portable versions of this software for Windows Mobile devices.
6. Make sure your password is not on this list:  Passwords you should NEVER use
7. Check your password strength with this tool:  Microsoft password strength checker

Jason IT Best Practices complex, easy, free, passwords, safe