Password Safety - Protect your information

Choosing a Good Password
Hackers use what are known as "bruteforce" password crackers or "dictionary" type attempts to hack your passwords basicly these run all known words in a dictionary and combination of words till they hit upon the right word or combination of words which can take them anywheres from a few minutes or days to crack but they will get your password! This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to not use dictionary type passwords or parts of your personal information. 7 out of ten people who have had their passwords or email or other accounts comprimised had it done by a friend or relative...

Don't Use:

• Any part of your name - first, last, or middle!
• Your initials
• Your social security number
• Names of friends, family, or pets
• Birthdays
• Phone numbers or addresses
• Any other personal information that could be guessed
• Place names
• Words from the English dictionary
• Words from a foreign dictionary
• Your username or login name
• Your computer's name
• Repetition of the same letter
• Sequences of keyboard keys, such as "12345" or "qwerty"
• Any minor variation of the above, such as spelling backwards or appending a character to the end of your name.

Do Use:

• Special characters (*!$+) mixed with letters and numbers (if allowed)
• Mixed upper- and lower-case letters - putting capitals in random locations throughout a password is effective
• Punctuation characters mixed with letters and numbers
• Nonsense words that are easy to pronounce but aren't in any dictionary
• Six or more characters
  

Hint: A good way to choose a secure but easily remembered password is to use the first character of each word in a phrase. For instance, "Asb*Mf" stands for "April showers bring May flowers"; the asterisk in the middle is included for extra security. (Don't use this password!)

Important: Change your password(s) every month or two, and never give it out to anyone. If someone has learned your password, change it immediately. Choose a password you can remember so you don't have to write it down. Avoid letting people observe you typing your password. Making passwords tougher to hack might seem harder at first but the benefits are peace of mind and the knowledge that your passwords that are keys to your data are secure.