Picking a good password is the first line of defense in keeping your private data safe. Logging out or locking your computer before leaving for the evening and when you leave the office is a good start in protecting your sensitive date. Another way is as simple as picking a good password.
Everyday most of us use a password of some kind or another. Whether it is getting cash from an ATM and having to use our PIN number or using a keypad to gain access to our office, we are using passwords. Anyone who uses email will also have a password to log onto the server, whether it is a POP based email or a web-based email such as Hotmail.
If you can’t pick your name, make sure you pick your password
Most companies will also issue usernames and passwords to their users to enable them to access the system, typically this is not controlled by the user but by the IT Department. Sometimes, especially with web-based applications such as our browser or email program, we can choose our own username and password. In commercial situations the IT department will issue their users with their username and password. Although normally the username cannot be changed, generally the user can change their password from the system generated one to something easier to remember. The first thing you need to do when you get a password assigned from the system is change it.
Why should I worry?
The whole idea behind passwords is to make it as difficult as possible for an outsider to break into the system and either steal or compromise important or confidential data. I have polled some clients and 15% said that they manage more than fifteen passwords to access their own applications at work, home and the bank but only 5% can easily remember that many. Don’t pick an easy password just because you can remember it, keep your data safe from prying eyes.
Just the Basics
The password must never be the same as the username, or even a variation of it. For example, if your username is [email protected], then you must never use either johnsmith or smithjohn as your password.