Al Lustie's Tips and Tricks

In my last post I suggested a useful method of enhancing (not  guaranteeing) your computer and identity security.  Today I want to suggest ways of making your passwords stronger.

First, some links where you can get more information:

http://www.thegeekstuff.com/2008/06/the-ultimate-guide-for-creating-strong-passwords/

Note the 8 4 Rule.  It's OK, but an editor of "Wired" magazine recently was hacked and his password was nineteen (19) characters long and a hacker figured it out.  So, there are no guarantees, but generally longer is better.

Password Generators exist:

http://www.random.org/passwords/
  Random.org has one

Perfect Passwords (https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm) is another.

Or, you can purchase a password storage program like RoboForm.  Links to such programs can be found here:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381432,00.asp

For the Mac (OS/X) there is 1Password.   https://agilebits.com/onepassword  It is very strong, and quite useful. 

You have to remember the strong password you have for this program, but beyond that it lets you store and manage your passwords for handy retrieval.  Most also have a password generator to help you devise strong passwords. 

Remember to have regular backups going, maybe one to the "cloud" but certainly one to your external hard drive or to a DVD you burn every so often. 

Is this a pain?  Yes, and so are locks on the doors of your house or apartment, locks on your car dorrs and for the trunk of your car.  So is being very alert when you go for a run or walk, being aware of your surroundings at all times.  That's the kind of world we live in.

In my home state of Colorado they talk about reintroducing wolves and grizzly bears and other predators.  In the home state of computing, predators are already here, and hard at work.

What do you think?  Leave a comment and let us know.