Answer:

Protecting your computer with a password is a common method of ensuring that only those with

permission can access it. However, passwords are effective only as long as you use ones that are

easy to remember and difficult to “break,” and that are changed on a REGULAR basis. Did you know

that anyone with a little bit of technical know-how can download a program off the Internet and

use it to break weak passwords? These programs use “brute force” and “dictionary attacks” to

try every possible combination of words and letters to break into your account. The best way to

combat this very real threat is to write strong passwords. The following simple rules for writing

and using strong passwords will keep your computer more secure, decreasing the chance of

compromise.

Your Password: Strong or Weak?

Strong Passwords:

• Are 8 or more characters long

• Contain combination of upper and

lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols

($ch00LrU135 = school rules)

• Are passphrases: CHOOSE a line or two

from a SONG or poem and use the first

letter of each word. For example, “It is

the East, and Juliet is the Sun'' becomes

“IstE,@J1tS”

• Are changed on a regular basis

• Are easy to remember and are not

written down

• Are not used over and over again for

different programs and websites

• Are typed quickly, making it harder for

someone to steal by eavesdropping

Weak Passwords:

• Contain your login, your name, your

maiden name, your spouse's name, your

children's names or your pets’ names in

any form as your password

• Contain publicly accessible information

about yourself, such as SOCIAL security

number, license numbers, phone

numbers, address, birthdays, etc.

• Contain a word found in a dictionary of

any language

• Are made of all numbers or all the same

letter

• Are saved in the “Remember Password”

function on mail or website browsers

• Are written down

• Are shared with others