There are many ways a hacker can use to guess and break your passwords so it becomes very necessary to go through some examples of good as well as bad passwords along with simple tips which you can use to greater effects.
Some Tips:
Choose at least 8 characters for your password.
Your password should have a random mix of alphanumeric characters along with some special symbols and spaces.
Refrain from using words available in dictionary and never use any password twice.
Do not use single digit or a symbol after or before a word such as apple1.
Do not double single word such as appleapple and reverse any word.
Choose password which you can remember. This minimizes the chance of a hacker discovering where you wrote it down. Also, select a password that can be quickly types so that no one can discover what you are typing.
Some Bad Passwords:
Never use passwords which are based upon your personal information like your name, your nick name, date of birth, name of the spouse, phone number, any city or town name etc.
Do not use the passwords which are based on the things found around you like computer, monitor, telephone etc.
Do not get tempted to use the common passwords which are easily remembered but are weak in security.
Never use your user name, account name or your email address as your password.
How to choose a password:
Use a password generator application.
Alternate between consonant and a few vowels to generate nonsense word such as taupouti.
Select 2 short words and then concatenate both of them with symbol character or punctuation between the two words like seat%tree.
Changing the password:
You need to change the password quite often, preferably once in a month.
If you suspect that a person may have known your password, change it immediately and do not reuse any password.
Protecting the password:
Do not store the password on your PC and even if you have to, keep it encrypted and avoid storing the password in Windows cache if prompted by the system. If by mistake you have enable automatic storing and dont know how to get it reversed, you can avail PC tech support to get it reversed as there are ways of clearing windows cache with the help of
Microsoft support.
Do not reveal your password to any one nor send it to anybody by e-mail or by any unsecure means.
If you have to write your password on a paper or notebook, store the same securely.
Use a password manager which is secure. You can download it without cost.
Store all your passwords, if you have to, in a text file having a strong encrypted key.
A good password:
Always select your own password and avoid using the one used by someone else a good example can be tItWdOtW4Me, which is a short form of
Tuesday
is
the
worst
day
of
the
week
for
me. Dont ever give in and provide your password to anyone.
