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Creating a Hacker-Proof
Password
Believe it or not, a hacker could
probably crack your typical password in minutes using a variety
of readily available software programs. Thwart their efforts by
choosing your password wisely. Think up creative combos that
you'll easily remember.
Here are some tips to creating a solid password:
Use a password that is at least six
characters long. The more characters your password contains, the
more difficult it can be to figure out.
Use a password that is easy for you
to remember (so you don't have to write it down), but difficult
for others to guess. For example, use your college town and
graduation year or your favorite movie and lucky number.
Use a combination of upper and
lowercase letters, punctuation and numbers.
Choose two short words that have nothing in common and combine
them with punctuation or numerals, like "moss9desk" or "fast!carpet."
Use a familiar phrase but substitute
zeroes for "o"s, or ones for "i"s.
Use an acronym by choosing a line
from a song and using the first letter of each word.
Use different passwords for each
account.
Change your password regularly.
Do not use names or numbers easily
associated with you, such as your birth date or nickname.
Don't use a username or login name
as your password too.
Don't use the word "password."
Don't use other information easily
obtained about you. This includes license plate numbers,
telephone numbers, social security numbers, or the name of the
street you live on.
Keeping Your Password Safe When
you've picked a hard-to-hack password, be sure to keep it as
secure as possible. Don't email your password to anyone (ever!)
and if someone calls you asking for your password, don't tell
them. One common way hackers have tried to obtain passwords in
the past is by calling or emailing, claiming they are from an
ISP and need your password. Beware of tricks such as these. Most
ISPs will inform you in their contract or on their website that
they will NEVER ask for your password.
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