Halt! Who goes there? by The Full Poodle – 01297 443819
Friend or foe … enter your password to do almost anything on the computer – from switching on the infernal machine to writing emails, ordering groceries and checking a bank balance.A "password" is a two-part process - the first part is your Username which is either assigned by an organization or made up by you. Since most usernames are created from openly accessible items like your email address, the second ‘secret’ half is the most the important part of the key.
A password is almost always created by the end-user - that means YOU - so you control just how "weak" or "strong" it will be. A "weak" password is an easily cracked password, for example “Password”, “1234567” & “qwerty” (all surprisingly popular as choices). Your password should mean something to you but not be too easily guessed or quickly discovered – so avoid common choices like a pet’s name, child’s name, car, date of birth or house name … as with a tiny bit of knowledge, these passwords are easily cracked.
Five Rules for Strong Password security
1. Use a VARIETY of characters to include upper & lower-case letters, numbers and special symbols.2. MEMORIZE your passwords! Don't write them down under keyboards, on monitors, under speakers, in your desk diary, etc. If you must record them, then keep everything vague and separate from any account details.
3. Use MULTIPLE passwords. You should have one for each account, using your strongest passwords on critical/valuable applications and accounts.
4. SIZE MATTERS ... a password should be at least six characters long. For financial accounts, use seven or eight characters. Each extra keystroke adds a few million more combinations for a cracking program to work through.
5. CHANGE your passwords often.
To create a strong easy to remember but difficult to break password:
1. Use a PHRASE CIPHER, e.g. "Alas poor Yorick I knew him well." Create a password by using the first letter from each word (ApYIkhw). For added security you can add a numbers and/or special symbols.2. Use a SUBSTITUTION CODE & change a common word like "password" into "Pa55wo4d". But be aware that the more common substitutions like "5" for "S" are checked by most password cracking software. Use your imagination.
Poodle quick quiz: 2B0n2b*t1tQ! What is the phrase?
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