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January 04, 2008
Password Security: What Users Know and What They Actually Do
Here is a fabulous study on password security done by Wichita State University that shows that people know the dangers of using weak passwords but routinely dismiss the risk in favor of convenience.
I'd be lying if I said that I was never guilty of the same thing in the past. But not anymore! About six months ago I began using much stronger passwords to protect my computer, online accounts, email, etc.... It's simply a smart safety precaution that everyone should take.
Here are a few eye-opening takeaways from the survey:
* 73% of people know they should change their passwords every three to six months, but over half confessed that they never change their passwords unless they are required to.
* The majority of people know they should use special characters (non-alphanumeric symbols) in their passwords but only 5% actually did.
* Two thirds of respondents knew that their passwords should contain at least seven characters, but only 35.5% reported using passwords with seven or more characters.
* 70% know they shouldn't use names of family members, pets, or other personally significant names and words, over half admitted that they routinely use these types of words in their passwords.
Don't let yourself become a victim of a cyber crime. Protect yourself and your confidential information..... And really, it doesn't take much effort at all.
Posted by Hugh Garber at January 4, 2008 07:57 AM digg this add to del.icio.us add to My Web Furl this page
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Comments
Do you think that a program such as RoboForm would be appropriate for using passwords. I use the free version for some of the websites that I visit regularly...It definitely makes if much more simple for me...I can enter in any password I want and I don't have to remember any of them...
www.roboform.com...I like it !!!
Posted by: Paul C. Beugeling at January 4, 2008 12:21 PM
Hi Paul -- I think programs like RoboForm are great for helping you manage (ie: remember) all your passwords. I've never used RoboForm before but it does appear to help simplify while keeping passwords secure ASSUMING that noone else has access to your computer. All that being said, creating strong passwords is a good place for us all to start. No more passwords of "password" or "admin" or "first name" for any of us!!!!
Posted by: HGarber at January 7, 2008 07:18 PM
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