a password is the first line of defense how can you use it in a proper way
Answers
Answer:
Protecting your computer with a password is a common method of ensuring that only those with
permission can access it. However, passwords are effective only as long as you use ones that are
easy to remember and difficult to “break,” and that are changed on a regular basis. Did you know
that anyone with a little bit of technical know-how can download a program off the Internet and
use it to break weak passwords? These programs use “brute force” and “dictionary attacks” to
try every possible combination of words and letters to break into your account. The best way to
combat this very real threat is to write strong passwords. The following simple rules for writing
and using strong passwords will keep your computer more secure, decreasing the chance of
compromise.
Your Password: Strong or Weak?
Strong Passwords:
• Are 8 or more characters long
• Contain combination of upper and
lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
($ch00LrU135 = school rules)
• Are passphrases: Choose a line or two
from a song or poem and use the first
letter of each word. For example, “It is
the East, and Juliet is the Sun'' becomes
“IstE,@J1tS”
• Are changed on a regular basis
• Are easy to remember and are not
written down
• Are not used over and over again for
different programs and websites
• Are typed quickly, making it harder for
someone to steal by eavesdropping
Weak Passwords:
• Contain your login, your name, your
maiden name, your spouse's name, your
children's names or your pets’ names in
any form as your password
• Contain publicly accessible information
about yourself, such as social security
number, license numbers, phone
numbers, address, birthdays, etc.
• Contain a word found in a dictionary of
any language
• Are made of all numbers or all the same
letter
• Are saved in the “Remember Password”
function on mail or website browsers
• Are written down
• Are shared with others