Protecting Your Passwords - Choosing Passwords
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There are many steps to follow when it comes to choosing a strong, hard-to-hack password:
* Don't use the same password for multiple accounts
* Don't use passwords which include names and dates
* Don't use simple, easy-to-guess words
Unfortunately, following these rules (and all the others which are often associated with helping you choose a strong password) makes your password harder to guess and harder to remember, too. Since you're also not supposed to write passwords down, you may find yourself clicking that I Forgot link all the time.
Isn't there a way to make your passwords secure and memorable at the same time?
* Choose phrases. Choose a phrase or collection of words which may mean something to you but nothing to anyone else. Even a well-known cliché is harder to guess than a single word - and the longer your passwords are, the better. A longer phrase may seem harder to remember, but it's actually more likely to stick out in your mind.
* Choose something with meaning. Choose made-up words or strange words which mean something to you, but again hopefully not to anyone else. If it means something to you, you're more likely to keep it in mind.
* Choose non-English words. Want to really throw identity thieves for a loop? Use non-English language words for your US-based accounts. You're more likely to remember that you did so, as this somewhat bizarre choice will remain in your thoughts - or at least be easier to recall.
* Pick a theme. The problem is, you have a lot of passwords to remember. Everything seems to require a log-in today and you are only one person, after all. Don't have a superhuman memory to recall an odd mix of words, phrases and numerical values? Choose a theme for your passwords - meaning, make sure they all have some relation or they all deal with the same topic. Find some commonality in your passwords, making them easier to remember and easier for you to guess.
Next: Choosing Security Answers >>
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