TECHNOLOGY TIPS – CHOOSING THE BEST PASSWORD FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We all have a password for various protected internet/computer accounts. A password is a set of characters, in a specific sequence and case sensitive. Together with the unique user name or ID, the password confirms that the user or person trying to access the account is the real one.
The internet has really changed the ways things are done. Very important and secure transactions, like payments for purchases, banking as well as safekeeping and transfer of sensitive documents and other files are processed online. With the increase in online transactions, so are the number of cyber thieves who have developed techniques to crack passwords. Most of the time, the account owner is to blame because the password isn't strong enough to ward off "hackers" trying to break it.
Choosing the Best Password
How do you choose the best password that is strong enough to withstand any attempts to access the account? Here are some tips in creating passwords:
Don't use a password that is in the dictionary, even the foreign ones. There is password cracking software to determine the exact word in seconds.
Don't use passwords that are associated to you like your maiden name, place of birth, Social Security number, children's names, phone numbers. Mix upper and lower case letters with numbers and other symbols allowed by the system like "miG67Ped." This would take a long time to guess and the "hacker" will most likely just leave and go to the next target. However, the account owner should make sure there is a way to remember the password. One way is to associate the words and numbers with easy-to-remember words, dates or names. The password could also be saved on a CD or USB and copied to the log in form. Keep any password record offline.
Don't use a password that is used on your other accounts.
Don't use commonly used passwords like " 12345678."
Use a password generating and auto-filling software. This will solve the problem of keyloggers taking note while the password is being entered and the problem of forgotten passwords.
The password is like the secret key to a secured internet/computer account. Make sure it can really secure the account.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
