New Year, New Passwords?

Every year, the folks at Splash Data have been cataloging and publishing a top 25 list of the worst passwords of the previous year.  The list is compiled from files containing millions of stolen passwords posted online during the previous year.  SplashData suggests making passwords more secure with these tips:

“Use passwords of eight characters or more with mixed types of characters. But even passwords with common substitutions like “dr4mat1c” can be vulnerable to attackers’ increasingly sophisticated technology, and random combinations like “j%7K&yPx$” can be difficult to remember. One way to create more secure passwords that are easy to recall is to use passphrases — short words with spaces or other characters separating them. It’s best to use random words rather than common phrases. For example, “cakes years birthday” or “smiles_light_skip?”
Avoid using the same username/password combination for multiple websites. Especially risky is using the same password for entertainment sites that you do for online email, social networking, or financial service sites. Use different passwords for each new website or service you sign up for.”

We understand the challenge, how do you come up with a complex enough password meeting the security requirements while still having something that you will remember.  In a day and age when we might need to remember upwards of 30+ passwords for various programs and sites, it’s more challenging now than ever.

Surely there must be a better way than taping post it notes to your computer monitor (very secure!)  Have you ever considered using a Password Manager?  There are a variety of companies that provide this type of software that will do the work for you.  Some are free while others are offered on a monthly subscription model.   You’re probably wondering what exactly IS a Password Manager?

“A password manager is a software that helps a user organize passwords and PIN codes. The software typically has a local database or a file that holds the encrypted password data for secure logon onto computers, networks, web sites and application data files. Many password managers also work as a form filler, thus they fill the user and password data automatically into forms.”

Without further ado, here is SplahData’s the complete Top 25 of 2013.  If you’re guilty of using any of these, don’t stop, don’t pass go and IMMEDIATELY UPDATE YOUR PASSWORDS to ensure your information is safe.

Teltek is a Certified Avaya Business Partner, NEC Dealer, and Microsoft Partner with two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. We specialize in providing one call technology support for small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia.