by Leigh Goessl

Created on: December 04, 2007

Nowadays it seems everything is connected to a password or PIN number. This is with good reason because security is a very high concern these days. As more and more processes go automated, the need for effective methods to maintain control over sensitive information has significantly increased; passwords play an important part of this security. Most programs, applications, databases and even some physical doors of entry require a password to gain access.

At home, your passwords are the entry keys to all your documents, photos, financial information, email and other essential applications. In the workplace, you may have access to sensitive data and/or are responsible for maintenance of data. It is not uncommon to have multiple passwords for different needs. Passwords are not a permanent block for someone intent on breaking into a system, because social engineering, password cracking software and a host of other brute force attack methods are used to uncover passwords.

The awareness of Internet safety issues has become prominent with all of the publicity surrounding data breaches and identity theft. Bearing those factors in mind, it's important to realize the importance of strong passwords for your computer, your programs and/or your files because a good password will serve as a deterrent and make the job harder for anyone intent on obtaining unauthorized access.

STEPS TO CREATE A STRONG PASSWORD
*Create a password that is 8 or more characters in length. The longer the password you can remember without writing it down, the better, but a good rule of thumb is to make it at least 6-8 characters long. Avoid short passwords that are easy to figure out because of the limit of numerical and alphabetical combinations.

*Use a mix of letters, numbers and special characters in your passwords. Bear in mind that special characters may not always be an option with some programs, but if it is, utilize it. By using a combination of character types, your password will be stronger.

*Avoid using words that can be found in the dictionary. It's tempting to use easy to remember words, but the problem with this is crackers can easily and rapidly figure out passwords that are located in the dictionary.

*If you can use a combination of both lowercase and uppercase letters in your password, this makes it a bit stronger. Unfortunately not all applications are case sensitive, but if they are, take advantage of it.

*Using a combination of the above factors, make the password meaningful to you,

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