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Keeping your passwords secure

If you've ever seen the movie, 'Wrongfully Accused' starring Leslie Neilson, there's a scene where Mr. Neilson has to hack into a computer to get some information on another character. For comedic value they show the computer screen as he types. When the screen prompts Login, he types in "Login." Then at the password prompt, he types in "password."

The sad thing is that I have actually worked at companies where the sytem administrator's password is actually "password." Imagine a company's computer database with the names, addresses, phone numbers, and credit card information of thousands of customers. Combine that with an easy to guess password, and you've got a recipe for disaster.

Companies with sensitive customer information are not the only ones who need good passwords, though. Ordinary people who just use their home computers to surf online should also be aware of password security, as well.

If you use a service like Windows Live ID or have a PayPal account, you could have a lot to lose, if you get hacked. Windows Live ID collects information such as your name, e-mail address, home or work address, phone numbers, age, gender, interests, your IP address, browser type, access times, and more.

Having an insecure password could allow you to become the victim of identity theft and credit card fraud. If you participate in social networking sites, your identity could be assumed by someone other than you. Anyone who manages an MSN Group knows the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining them. A malicious person could destroy all you've made, or destroy your online reputation forever.

How to Create a Secure Password

1. Choose a password that is difficult to guess. Don't use your name, nickname, kid's names, or common words like sex, love, or the "f" word.
    
2. Many times when you are getting a system set up for you, a default password will be chosen for you. Usually they are common things like the word 'password', the numbers 0000000, 123456, or even *******. Change the default to something of your own choosing. Every hacker knows about these defaults.
    
3. Remember a longer password is more secure than a short one.
    
4. To make your password more secure, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (if your program allows them).
    
5. Don't give your password out to anyone.
    
6. Change your password frequently - at least once a month. Change it immediately if you think your security may have been compromised.
    
7. Don't use the same password for all the computer systems that you use. For example don't use the same password for your home computer as well as your work computer and your ATM account.

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Page last updated January 26, 2008