Today’s average computer user has a staggering 40 accounts requiring usernames and passwords. Here are answers to some common questions on how to stay secure.
Q: Why can’t I use the same password for all my accounts?
A: That’s one of the most dangerous things you can do. If your work logon becomes known to anyone else, then your employer’s and all of your coworkers’ security and confidentiality are at risk (as well as your own data and privacy).
Q: OK, but why do I need such difficult passwords? I work in a secure environment.
A: There are very good reasons for using strong passwords. For starters, all it takes is one disgruntled co-worker to steal your logon or infect the company network. Also, skillful hackers can crack weak passwords in minutes with an average PC.
Q: Why do I have to change my password so often?
A: Strong passwords may take months or years to crack, but it can be done. So experts advise that you change yours every three months or so, or after you learn of any network intrusion.
Q: What’s the best strategy for creating super-strong passwords?
A: Here’s what experts advise: Use an uncommon phrase that you can remember, but replace some of the letters with numbers or special characters. For instance, "k1$$thew@!!" (kiss the wall), or better yet, "3k1$$thew@!!4" (kiss the wall between a pair of numbers). Keep in mind that if your password looks like something that someone might add to a dictionary definition file, it’s probably not a good password. Dictionary definition files are used with hacker tools to do "brute force" attacks. These dictionary files contain common words, names, slang, and even many common password phrases and keyboard combinations such as; "Pa$$w0rd," "1qaz@WSX," (type it) and "Bi!!yJ0e."
© National Security Institute, Inc.