With a high degree of regularity, each morning begins with a similar routine. I bring in the newspaper, start the coffee pot and log on to the computer. Recently, however, I had a frightening experience. I could not remember my password! I am sure it was just a ‘senior moment’, but I was suddenly gripped by fear. I got up from the chair, walked around the house for several minutes and as quickly as I had forgotten, I remembered. I looked out the window. The password was ‘snowyday12’. I try to select passwords that would be easy to remember, something to do with the current season of the year. But this seemingly minor memory lapse had turned into a bit of panic.
I have a file that lists many of the passwords for just such occasion, forgetfulness, that is. (Of course I am not going to tell you where it is.) The passwords I use on a regular basis are easy to remember most of the time. The ones I use only once and awhile are more difficult. I counted the number of different passwords in the card file… there were only 21. But that did not count the passwords not written down, the ones I forget to write down or the ones I use for work and who knows how many more. So now, as I am getting older, in addition to remembering where I might have left my slippers, I am now faced with the challenge of “passwording” my way through the day. ( I know there is no such word, but...) But how do I select a good password? I am running out of pets' names.
There are a number of websites offering suggestions on selecting passwords. It should be strong. Strong? What does that mean? Length is important. Who says size doesn't matter!! Use characters, numbers and letters. Is there anything else?
For those of us who have trouble remembering, some sites allow you select a ‘clue’ question. My personal favorite asks for “your grandmother’s maiden name once removed.” What does 'once removed' mean. If you can’t remember names, perhaps using a phrase might do the trick.. Birth dates and names are always a definite no-no.
There is a newer method available. It is an automated system for selecting passwords and every three months the system sends you a new password. But what I found was that in some cases, you needed to establish a user name and password to log on to the site and there could be a minimal fee for these “more secure” passwords. I am not paranoid, but I'm not sure I want some person behind the scene with access to a list. And what happens if on a particular day the random passwords turn out to be all the same across the country? Could happen!!
I specifically like the websites and blogs that list the ‘do’s and don’ts’ for selecting passwords. My guess is that these are websites developed by people who have at one time or another been hackers and have just finished serving time in jail. Pretty clever though..
One site suggested taking your name, reversing it, adding a few capital letters, throwing in some symbols and numbers (never a birthday), substituting the letter ‘m’ for an ‘a’, adding your pet’s name and you are ready to go. Xuml#nMj&3lucky. Now that is impressive and easily remembered.
I have decided that as I get older and my memory begins to fade, the fewer passwords I have to remember the better. So I need to figure out a way to enter just one password each morning that allows me to navigate my way through the entire day.
Any suggestions?
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