Passwords. Create and Secure Them

Computer user will have dozens of passwords. Online stores, banking, social networking and many others. Here is a guide to assist you in strengthening your passwords and remembering passwords. After reading this article you will learn the following: – Making it hard to crack passwords – Best password systems – How to automatically fill in your passwords.

Making it hard to crack passwords

Create passwords with the following: -Has at least 8 characters -Some numbers -Lowercase and capitals.

Hard to guess Passwords make it difficult for criminals using software to get your password.

When making a password, don’t use family details such as birthdays, children’s names, Christian names and last names or pets names. Do not use anything in a dictionary. Do not use the same password for all websites.

Good password practices

Never share your password with ANYONE including your IT Administrators at work. They will not normally ask you for your password. However if they do need it then you should give it to them in person and ensure you change it as soon as they are done with their task.

A common tactic used by malicious hackers consists of calling up unsuspecting users and pretending to be from the computer support staff. Another tactic is to have trusting users email the password or type it into what looks like a legitimate site; this is known as “phishing.” Make sure you have the sites you use on your favourites and always visit the Site that way not through an email link.

Be aware of your surroundings when you are typing your password in public areas such as at work or in an Internet Cafe. Watch for “shoulder Surfing” or people watching what you type as you are entering your password. If you use the web to access critical information (such as online banking, or medical information) ensure that the site uses some type of secured method of encryption. This is usually indicated by a tiny lock in a corner of the page.

How to automatically fill in your passwords

It is better to memorize your passwords. However if you have many passwords from work, shopping and Banking you may write them down and keep them somewhere on your person or about the house This is not at all secure if there is theft or burglary.

Another method is to allow Windows (and other Operating Systems) to automatically fill in the data. This however is still not secure because your passwords are stored in clear text on your Computer making it easy if your Computer does not have up to date security systems for malicious code such as spyware, Trojans and worms to steal your passwords and account information. They could also be gained easily by a burglar or anybody gaining access to your Computer

The best solution is to use what is known as Password Management Software. All of these encrypt your passwords and access is obtained by entering once during a computer session a Master Password which is the only one you have to remember. The best of these such as Roboform and Handy Password will –

* Save your passwords and user names

* Fill them in, but only on the genuine site.

* generate complex difficult to guess passwords.

* Autofill your address and credit card onto online forms when you require.

* You can backup the file containing your encrypted passwords to another disc or hard drive.

The greatest thing you can do to protect your password is to be aware that all the time there are people out there who would love to get hold of some or all of your accounts. It is not always criminals looking for you banking information; sometimes it is just curious people who happen upon your username & password. It may even be someone you know. Take care.

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