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4 Tips for More Secure Passwords
Filed Under: Security
One of the most overlooked security measures a computer user has is the simple password. The way you choose a password, and how well you choose, can mean the difference between a system that’s at risk and one that’s very well protected. Even if you choose a word that only has meaning to you, you could be giving hackers an easy entrance into your network or system. These 4 tips will help you understand how important passwords are, and how important it is to choose one that’s secure.
1. Be Aware of the Danger
If you have a computer system or a network, you’re in danger from hackers. An attack can happen to anyone, so it’s important to realize it can happen to you. Understanding this danger means that you’re better willing and able to protect yourself from it.
Hackers have a few different ways of figuring out a password to get into a system. When they use a program that runs through every character in order to crack your password the attack is known as a brute force attack. Long, random passwords are the best for protecting against these attacks. It can take a program 2 years to crack an 8-character password that’s chosen correctly, and in that time a careful company should have changed the password several times.
An attack using a dictionary program just checks a password against a variety of words, phrases and number combinations. If you use something that can be found in a dictionary or that’s an easy phrase, this type of program will probably crack it. The third method hackers use to get passwords is by getting an employee to give it to them, by posing as someone who needs to test security or test some type of program on the system.
2. Choose Good Passwords
Never use whole words or phrases, names, nicknames, addresses, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, zip codes, dates or any number and letter combination that repeats a number or letter. Also, avoid using any part of your login name in your password. And never leave a password blank.
Always use passwords that contain lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and symbols like punctuation, if that’s possible. Have at least 8 characters in a password but 10 or more is even better.
3. Use Strategies to Remember Your Passwords
First of all, never write the password down and leave it taped to your monitor or in your desk. Write it down and keep it on you until you remember it, by all means. If you use a random password generator, keep a copy in your purse or wallet. If you choose them on your own, choose one you can remember, like letters from the words in a song, or substitute numbers for vowels in a word that means something to you.
4. Change Your Passwords Often
Change your passwords every month or two, at least. If you have to give your password out, change it as soon as the person you gave it to is finished.
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