Security. It is, or should be, a significant concern of anyone using a computer. Whether it is for on-line banking, password protecting files, or safeguarding your Amazon or EBay account, much of our computer and Internet information is protected by passwords.
But are your passwords really protecting you? Computer programs can go through the entire dictionary forward and backward, testing for passwords, in a matter of a couple of minutes. It's like having a burglar who can test every conceivable combination to your safe in two minutes.
So what's a good password? Well the best ever was in the movie Roger Rabbit. To get into the cartoon night club, Eddie the real-life detective, had to utter the phrase "Walt sent me."
But how do you protect yourself in the real world? There are several keys to good passwords.
- NEVER use family information as your password. Names, addresses, birth dates, pet names, are all very vulnerable.
- Do not use any word found in the dictionary -- either forward or backward
- Use at least 8 digits.
- Use UPPER and lower case letters
- Use at least 1 number and/or symbols in your password, but not at the beginning or end
- Use a separate password for each use. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts.
So, want to find out how good your passwords are? Find out. Simply go to the Security Stats Password Security site. Just type in some passwords, and you will get a quick response on how effective your passwords are. For the link, just CLICK HERE. The site also offers a list of "dos" and "don'ts" in creating your passwords.
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