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Passwords Tips
#53 - 0--Administrator--Passwords Tips--2006-11-19 12:53:19
Now it seems like we rely on passwords for everything these days. What are passwords?A password is a form of secret authentication data that is used to control access to a resource. The password is kept secret from those not allowed access, and those wishing to gain access are tested on whether or not they know the password and are granted or denied access accordingly. - The use of passwords goes back to ancient times. Sentries guarding a location would challenge for a password. They would only allow a person in if they knew the password. In modern times, passwords are used to control access to protected computer operating systems, mobile phones, cable TV decoders, automated teller machines (ATMs), etc. A typical computer user may require passwords for many purposes: logging in to computer accounts, retrieving email from servers, accessing files, databases, networks, web sites, and even reading the morning newspaper online.
Despite the name, there is no need for passwords to be actual words; indeed passwords which are not actual words are harder to guess (a desirable property). Note that password is often used to describe what would be more accurately called a pass phrase. Passcode is sometimes taken to imply that the information used is purely numeric, such as the personal identification number (PIN) commonly used for ATM access. Passwords are generally short enough to be memorized.
Here are eleven great tips for your passwords:
- Treat passwords like your underwear; change them often and don’t leave them lying around!
- Never share your passwords with your friends or other people online.
- A good password will not be in any dictionary in any language.
- Do not use significant dates or names for passwords.
- If you are supplied with a default password, change it immediately.
- Don’t use the same password for everything. Use a different password every time.
- Use a software password safe with a very long access password (20+ characters) to store passwords.
- The longer a password the better.
- Passwords should contain upper & lowercase, letters and symbols.
- Use password generators.
- Never write down a password.
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