Passwords: it seems you need a new one every day, and the requirements for creating them are increasingly complex. More websites require logons, and changing passwords frequently has become compulsory in many workplaces.
According to a recent study by Microsoft®, the average computer user has 6.5 passwords, each of which is shared across 3.9 different sites. Each user has about 25 accounts that require passwords, and types an average of eight passwords each day.
Remembering all those numbers and letters can present an enormous challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help keep track of your ever-growing list of passwords. Here’s a list of methods to try – and some to avoid.
DO use password management software
Password management software offers a variety of helpful functions: automating website log-ons, capturing existing passwords or generating strong random passwords, and storing passwords with their respective user names in a secure, encrypted file.
KeePass is a free downloadable password manager. It’s open-source and available for Windows®, Linux®, OS X, and mobile devices. You can even run it from a USB memory stick. It keeps all your online and offline passwords in a secure database, so you only have to remember one master password.
Password management features are also built into several software utility and security packages, like Norton Confidential from Symantec™ which stores and encrypts passwords.
DON’T rely on your browser
Most newer versions of the major browsers, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Opera, all offer ways of storing your username or passwords for different sites. While using this feature can save you time and energy, be aware of the drawbacks: it’s not secure, and not particularly reliable either.
Almost all the browsers have acknowledged security flaws which could possibly leave your passwords vulnerable to hackers and phishing attacks. Plus, any other users with access to your machine will automatically have access to all your passwords and websites – so this isn’t a good option for shared computers.
Finally, remember that if your hard drive crashes, you will lose all the saved password data in your browser.
DON’T use the same password for everything
As tempting as it may seem, don’t use the same password for every site you visit. Not only is this becoming less feasible since websites have varying password requirements, it’s practically an open invitation to hackers.
Let's say you are using the same password for your online banking and email account. If your user name and password for the email are compromised, it’s likely the hacker will try the same combination on multiple sites, especially major banking sites, to try and break into your accounts. When one of your accounts is compromised, you’ve potentially put all your accounts in danger.
DO have a system for generating memorable passwords
Remembering strong passwords might be as simple as coming up with a standard algorithm for creating them.
First, create a base password, perhaps using a combination of your mother’s initials and the date you graduated from university. Then, add a variation of the name of the website you’re logging in to. For example, if you come up with a base password of “lsf051088″, add the first two and last two letters of the site (faok for Facebook.com) and you’re done!
It’s not likely that the need for passwords is going to lessen anytime soon, so it’s important to have a consistent method for keeping them organised. With a bit of foresight and some helpful tools, you’ll never be left racking your brain for those eight characters ever again.
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Linux is a U.S. registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
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