How to Choose a Secure Password?

Saturday, 07 May 2011 16:53

Now that is an excellent question.  Microsoft recommends passwords of at least 14 characters.  They also recommend using a variety of characters.  In other words, use symbols and numbers.  Just using a plain word makes it too easy for an online thief to steal your password using a dictionary attack.  This type of attack uses a program to try common words, common misspellings (like spelling something backwards), and common phrases to "guess" your password.

We suggest using a phrase that has some meaning, only to you.  For example, a slice of lyrics to your favorite song, a favorite phrase or saying, a poem, scripture, or movie quote.  If you use a movie quote for example, you should type it replacing some of the letters for numbers and even add some random punctuation and capitalization.  Let's suppose you use a phrase from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Question: "How do you know she is a witch?" Answer: "She looks like one."  So you can type it like this Howd0y0ukn0wsheisawitch?Shel00kslike0n3!  Replacing most of the letter "O"s with the numeral zero "0", the last "E" with a "3" and some punctuation.  If you are limited to the length, then use a smaller phrase or just part of the phrase.

Using Microsoft's password checker, the password Howd0y0ukn0wsheisawitch?Shel00kslike0n3! rates a "BEST!"

Also, do not use passwords that incorporate your name, birthday, or any other obvious information about yourself. And do not forget to change your password often.  The more secure your passwords are, the safer your personal email, Facebook, and banking information will be from online thieves.