Creating a
Hacker-Proof Password
Like most computer users, you probably
have several passwords one for email, one for your
online bank account, one for your favorite e-tailer. Many
people have a dozen or more, and keeping track of all of
those logins and passwords can be difficult. It may seem
tempting to create passwords so they're easier to
remember, using your birth date, dog's name, or some other
obvious choice. But by doing that, you are playing right
into the hacker's hands. The challenge in creating a
hacker-proof password is to make the password as difficult
as possible to guess without making it impossible for you
to remember.
Here are some tips to creating a solid
password:
- Use a combination of upper and
lowercase letters, punctuation and numbers.
- Use different passwords for each
account,
- Change your password regularly. To
make it easier to remember to change your password,
associate it with an event. For example, change your
password the first of each month or every other
payday.
- Use a password that is at least six
characters long. The more characters your password
contains, the more difficult it can be to figure out.
- Use a password that is easy for you
to remember so you don't have to write it down.
Avoid vulnerable passwords using these
guidelines:
- Do not use names or numbers
associated with you, such as a birth date or nickname.
- Don't use your username or login name
in any form.
- Don't use your name, or the name of a
family member or pet.
- Avoid using a solitary word in any
language.
- Don't use the word
"password."
- Don't use other information easily
obtained about you. This includes license plate
numbers, telephone numbers, social security numbers,
the brand of your automobile, the name of the street
you live on, etc.
Remembering Your Password
Passwords should always be memorized and never written
down. There are tools you can use to help you choose
passwords that are easy to memorize, but still hard to
hack:
- Use an acronym by choosing a line
from a song and using the first letter of each word.
- Choose two short words that have
nothing in common and combine them with punctuation or
numerals, like "moss9desk" or "fast!carpet."
Use a familiar phrase but substitute zeroes for "o"s,
ones for "i"s and so on.
Keeping Track
If you're finding that keeping your many passwords sorted
in your head is too difficult, there are several options
for storing your passwords. Some of them even allow you
access to your stored passwords when you are on the road
and using a different computer than your own.
- Password storage software.
There are many programs available that allow you to
store all of your logins and passwords and to access
them using only one password that you commit to
memory. Some of the programs encrypt your passwords so
they are further protected from prying eyes. One
disadvantage of desktop software password solutions is
that you don't have access to your stored passwords
unless you are using the computer running the
software. If you only use your home computer to surf,
shop and bank, this option may work fine for you.
- Online password storage.
Password storage options are plentiful online,
allowing you constant access to saved usernames and
passwords 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world where
you have Internet access. Many also offer 128-bit
encryption technology, keeping your passwords safe as
they travel over the Internet. Some online storage
sites stow your passwords for you on their servers.
For the security wary, a number of online services
store your passwords on your computer where they are
less likely to be tampered with.
- Graphical online password storage.
This option makes it easy for you to remember that one
password which unlocks the rest. The
"password" is actually a series of graphical
representations of every day actions, like doing the
dishes. All you have to remember is what order to
perform the actions to gain access to your passwords.
Keeping Your Password Safe When
you've picked a hard-to-hack password, be sure to keep it
as secure as possible. Don't email your password to anyone
(ever!) and if someone calls you asking for your password,
don't tell them. Legitimate IT personnel should already
have authorization to enter your system.
Once you've created the perfect
password, keep it safe with Norton
Internet Security 2003. Norton Internet Security
provides essential protection against viruses, hackers and
privacy threats. This all-in-one suite includes Norton
Personal Firewall 2003
to thwart hackers, and Norton Privacy
Control to safeguard personal information. Norton
Internet Security 2003 is a must-have for anyone who uses the
Internet to shop, bank, surf or communicate.
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