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Creating Passwords That Won't Be Easily Cracked
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Here are some general guidelines to create a password:
* Should be more than seven characters long
* Mix letters and numerals
* Use upper-case and lower-case letters
* Do not create a password that contains a single word that is in the dictionary
* Use phrases
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Making Hard-to-Crack Passwords Easy To Remember
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* Make passwords like the vanity plates on cars.
For example: passwordsREZ (passwords are easy)
* Create a pattern when you create your passwords such as
using upper-case letters for vowels and lower-case for consonants,
so it would be easy to remember but hard to crack. The word "candy"
would then be "cAndy". Or you could substitute letters for numbers.
For example 1=I, 5=S, 0=O. Some people do not recommend creating
these patterns but it will make it easy for you to remember.
Remember though, that if you use a pattern and then someone
finds out your password, you should then change your pattern for your new password.
* Use a phrase instead of a single word to make it a more secure password,
such as "candy for you" which would be "cAndy4U".
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Keeping Your Passwords Secure
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* NEVER give out your passwords to anyone, including representatives
from companies that call you. The only time you will have to give them
a password is when you initially create a password or when you want to change it.
* Instruct your children to NEVER give out passwords and continue to
remind them to do so.
* Do not keep a list of passwords on your desk or in a file on your computer.
There are however, some shareware programs that you can get that will store
passwords for you but they use encryption technology so they can't be accessed.
* If you think someone might know your password, have your password changed.
* Change you passwords periodically. Some people recommend every six months.
* If someone is sitting near you when you have to enter a password, be sure to cover your fingers while typing it.
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