How to Remember Passwords
Any sites and services on the Internet require secure access through a unique username and password. Some people take passwords for granted, and use something that’s convenient or easy to remember. Careless passwords like birth dates or common names are prone to phishing and online identity theft. Here are some ways for you to remember passwords:
Secure Passwords
The trick to creating a good password is to use a unique combination of numbers, special characters, and letter cases. A secure password is less prone to phishing, or password theft:
Case-sensitive passwords: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters to create a strong password. Some sites may have tools that help you detect the strength of a password.
Alphanumeric passwords: Special characters and numbers in your password can make it stronger and less prone to phishing.
Make the Password Meaningful
Some people may find it convenient to use names, birth dates, or other common words to make a password. The strategy may work for some, but it leaves your password more prone to theft. Here are some tips to help you recall a strong password:
passwords
Abbreviations or acrostic. When using a password made with a password generator, provide a meaning for letters to act as a memory aid. Numbers are easier to memorize than letters, so you should provide a good “clue” for each number.
Make the password long, but convenient. Short passwords are easier to steal. Most Web service accounts (like e-mail or social network sites) usually give you an upper limit of eight to 12 characters for every password, so maximize the upper limit.
Avoid “Universal Passwords”
Some people make the mistake of having one password for all e-mail accounts, online social networks, online shopping, and other Web services. The practice can leave you more prone to security problems, because malicious Internet users probing into your system only have to deal with just one password. You should have a separate password for every Web service you’re registered in.
Remember that the more you use an account, the quicker you’ll remember a password. With these tips, you can make your Internet browsing experience more personalized and secure.