COMPUTER SECURITY IV- Safe Password

1.- What is a password? Why do we need them?

A password is a word or string of characters used for user authentication to prove identity or access approval to gain access to a resource (example: an access code is a type of password), which is to be kept secret from those not allowed access.

2.- How to choose a secure password. What makes a password secure?

The easier a password is for the owner to remember generally means it will be easier for an attacker to guess. However, passwords which are difficult to remember may also reduce the security of a system because (a) users might need to write down or electronically store the password, (b) users will need frequent password resets and (c) users are more likely to re-use the same password. Similarly, the more stringent requirements for password strength, e.g. «have a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters and digits» or «change it monthly», the greater the degree to which users will subvert the system. Others argue longer passwords provide more security (e.g., entropy) than shorter passwords with a wide variety of characters.

3.-Password managers? What are they?Anyone for free?

A password manager is a software application that is used to store and manage the passwords that a user has for various online accounts and security features. Password managers store the passwords in an encrypted format and provide secure access to all the password information with the help of a master password.

There are many types of password managers, differing in the way they encrypt the information, type of storage and the additional features provided.

4.-List of the most common password used by internet users

• The name of a pet, child, family member, or significant other
• Anniversary dates and birthdays
• Birthplace
• Name of a favorite holiday
• Something related to a favorite sports team
• The word «password»

5.-Try installing a free password manager and try it out?