Wednesday Tech Tips: Passwords

We know a lot about books and Buffy the Vampire Slayer over here at the Cambridge Public Library, but we also know that a lot of folks come by to use the computers.  So I am starting a weekly post about tech-related business.

(For now, let's just work with a loose definition of tech, okay?  Okay.)

This week's post is about creating strong passwords.  You guys.  YOU GUYS.  As more and more of your business moves online, you have got to take this shizz seriously. 

Hahahahaha!


Except it's true.  These are the ten worst passwords of 2011:

• password
• 123456
• 12345678
• qwerty
• abc123
• monkey
• 1234567
• letmein
• trustno1
• dragon

If any of these are passwords you are using now, you can read this article from Lifehacker to learn how to make a better, stronger password.  Yes, even ones that you can remember! 

Here are a couple of tips to get you started:

• Mix lowercase and UPPERCASE letters
• Use acronyms
• Create a passphrase

• Don't use the same password for multiple accounts 
• Don't include personal information (name, birthday, pet's name)
• Don't use keyboard patterns

I know it's a drag to go through all your accounts and change your passwords, but it's a New Year's resolution worth keeping!  And while there continues to be skepticism as to whether our human brains can ever come up with truly unhackable passwords, you are still going to be a notch up from monkey123.