Taking Password Security Seriously

One thing I've preached (some would say nagged) to my clients is their password security. Sure, when I started on the internet, I used the same password over and over. Then I read that that was a very unsafe practice. So then I used about 3 passwords in various forms. Still not good enough. Now I make my passwords so convoluted, there is no way I can remember them.

On the Red Tape Chronicles today is a story on that very subject.

It says that "a new study by security firm Trusteer found that 73 percent of Web users take their online banking password and use it at other Web sites. And about half of all consumers utilize the same password and user name at online banking sites and other sites."

And people wonder why their accounts get hacked! Password Managers keep track of your passwords for you, so you don't have to remember them. Of course, you could always write them down on a piece of paper kept in a safe place. But who wants to go running to their filing cabinet everytime they need to login to a site?

There are several that are very good: KeepPass, LastPass, StickyPassword and more. You just have to find the one that works for you and is easy enough to use that you won't be afraid of it.

Start tightening up those passwords. No more using your pet's name or your birthdate. Add symbols, several uppercase letters, and a number or two. Make it so difficult you KNOW you'll never remember it. How about TY$iW825!Bv? The more convoluted, the better.