The password for the various protected internet/computer accounts is a set of characters, in a specific sequence and case sensitive. Together with the unique user name or ID, the password confirms that the user or person trying to access the account is the real one. The user name or ID is normally displayed or shown in the log in box or in the pages of the account but the password is supposed to be known only to the account user or owner and the system that runs the account.
The minimum and maximum number of characters in a password depends also on the system set and it normally consists of letters in upper or lower cases, numbers and other characters.
As the password is entered, it appears only as asterisks in the space provided so that its secrecy is maintained.
The internet has really changed the ways things are done. Very important and secure transactions, like payments for purchases, banking as well as safekeeping and transfer of sensitive documents and other files are processed online. With the increase in online transactions, so are the number of cyber thieves who have developed techniques to crack the passwords. Most of the time, the account owner is to blame because the password isn't strong enough to ward off 'hackers" trying to break it.
Choosing The Best Password
How do you choose the best password that is strong enough to withstand any attempts to access the account? Here are some tips in creating passwords:
1. Don't use a password that is in the dictionary, even the foreign ones. There are password cracking software to determine the exact word in seconds.
2. Don't use passwords that are associated to you like your maiden name, place of birth, Social Security number, children's names, phone numbers. Mix upper and lower case letters with numbers and other symbols allowed by the system like "miG67Ped." This would take a long time to guess and the "hacker" will most likely just leave and go to the next target. However, the account owner should make sure there is a way to remember the password. One way is to associate the words and numbers with easy-to-remember words, dates or names. The password could also be saved on a CD or USB and copied to the log in form. Keep any password record offline.
3. Don't use a password that is used on your other accounts.
4. Don't use commonly used passwords like " 12345678"
5. Use a password generating and auto-filling software. This will solve the problem of keyloggers taking note while the password is being entered and the problem of forgotten passwords.
The password is like the secret key to a secured internet/computer account. Make sure it can really secure the account.
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