Do any of the above look like they could be your password?  If so, you can be easily hacked.  The whole idea behind using a password in the first place is to keep undesirables out of your computer, or your account, or whatever you have put a password on.  But short simple passwords will not get the job done.

All of the above are considered weak passwords for several reasons.  First they are short.  Too short.  They also could be easily guessed by anyone who knows you or has a profile of you.  Using your pet's or child's name, or simply adding the number 1 to your own name will not keep you secure.  In fact it would be child's play for a knowledgeable hacker to crack those passwords.

So what makes a good strong password?

Important passwords should be at least 8 characters long and possess a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and - if allowed - special characters.  "That type of password would be hard to remember" you might be thinking, but that is not necessarily the case.  Consider the following phrase:

My daughter Julie was born April 12, 1998.

That easy to remember phrase could be turned into:  MdJwbA121998  and that would make a strong password.  It contains at least 8 characters and also has upper and lower case letters and several numbers.  This would be tough to crack.  Connecting a phrase known only to you to your password will help keep you secure.

More password tips:

• Change your important passwords once a year, or as soon as you think it might have been compromised.

• Do not write passwords down and keep them on a nearby bulletin board, or taped to the keyboard, or on your monitor.

• Don't let others see you enter your passwords, such as by looking over your shoulder.

• Don't give your password to anyone else.

• If you must write it down, keep it in a safe place.

• Do not use the same password for all of your important uses.

Following these few simple guidelines will keep you much safer!

Raven Computer Services
269-668-4040