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View Full Version : Ten Tips on Creating a Secure Password and How to Keep it that Way


Lukario
10-24-2008, 11:34 PM
Everyday, thousands of people lose valuable information due to having insecure passwords. Programs exist that can detect passwords in the person using it is determined enough. Now, there necessarily isn't personal data flowing though this site, but in order to optimize your safety not only on this site, but the Internet in general. With these easy steps, you can have your own secure and easy to remember password.

1. Secure passwords have a mix of letter, numbers and symbols. Passwords like abcd or 1234 are very insecure and easy to guess. Hard to guess passwords utilize both letters, numbers and symbols in order to create a secure password. Good passwords also make of capital and lowercase letters. Remember, great is not the same as Great as far as passwords go. Example: GerryBomb2400!

2. Strong passwords generally are 8-14 characters long or more. When programs scan for passwords, they start at a and move to b and so on. A password with only four digits will be easier to crack than a password with eight. Example: heyyou95

3. Your password should not be a word or phrase that easily identifies you. Making a password such as guy can be guessed by some people that personally know you. Also, passwords such as this often can be cracked within minutes. Combine two or more words to create a good password. Example: //bowlingman2005//

4. For those can easily remember passwords, very secure passwords are random sequences of letters, numbers and symbols. Making passwords such as ft4Ds is probably the safest types of passwords you can make. They can contain information about you, only abbreviated and changed. Example: 45Dg52/

5. Secure passwords are not used on multiple sites. While it may be difficult to remember, it's unsafe to use the same password for everything. If someone gets your password for another site, then they now could potentially have the password to other sites you visit, e-mail, and bank sites. This is really something you should avoid.

6. A good password does not have redundancy and repeated phrases. You shouldn't create passwords that have the same phrase or word repeated over again. A good example is moneymoney99. Cracks can easily track passwords like this.

7. Diligence is the key. Changing your password often keeps you safe as well as secure. I would recommend changing it every month or two in order to keep safe. Do not have one or two rotating passwords. It's best to have five or six that you can switch among.

8. Do not use sensitive personal information. Using things such as your credit card number or your name is not a very good idea. Using a mixture of letters from your name is good, but do not put your entire name. Example: [jdoe1111]

9. Your passwords shouldn't be stored on your computer. I know this may seem like a given, but people actually do this. Never put your passwords on your computer. Keep them in a book somewhere in your house. People with a weak anti-virus can easily pick up a virus that can look through your files, even when your computer is off!

10. Never give out your password. Even if you trust the person, never reveal your password to anyone, ever. This is a big source of loss of data. You never know who could get a hold of that data.

So, be sensible, be safe, and most of all, be secure!

Thanks,
Lukario

Mud Master
10-24-2008, 11:36 PM
Can You Change Your Password?
If So How?

tmoney012
10-24-2008, 11:36 PM
can i change my password

Lukario
10-24-2008, 11:38 PM
At the moment, if you'd like to change your password, you should send a PM to Adam.

Thanks,
Lukario

Mud Master
10-24-2008, 11:39 PM
Then He Would Know :o

Kidding Ok

clarky241
10-25-2008, 08:25 AM
I'm surprised no one's actually congratulated Lukario on a fantastic summary of passwords. Well done mate, that really helped, thanks.

Yin717
10-25-2008, 02:09 PM
Lukario has made one of the most important threads. These password's are the only things that keep intruders out of your profile. You must do everything you can to stop them. Don't wait a few days or weeks just do it NOW! Else you will regret it if people get in. This isn't a silly video this is for real and people will do anything to get your idenity and ruin your life. So stay safe and follow Lukario's advice as well as other moderators and administrators. Cos once there in, they can do anything they please.