Experts recommend changing passwords from time-to-time in order to keep personal information secure. But remembering all those usernames, passwords and PIN numbers can be a difficult task especially if you have numerous accounts.
Symantec Password Survey
According to a recent online survey conducted by security firm Symantec, 63 percent of those surveyed do not change passwords very often. The Symantec Password Survey also revealed that 44 percent of respondents had more than 20 different accounts that require passwords.
While selecting the name of your spouse, child or pet may be easy to remember, birthdays and names are not recommended. Nearly half of those surveyed, 46 percent, select passwords because they are simple to remember and over half rely on their memory to remember all those passwords.
Secure Passwords Tips
- Combine letters, numbers and symbols when choosing a password.
- Do not use easy to guess words that are significant to you and easy for others to guess.
- Replace letters, such an “O” with a zero or an “I” with a “1.”
- Use longer passwords rather than shorter ones.
Free Password Management Programs
Password management software offer solutions for securely storing, managing and protecting user passwords, PIN codes and other sensitive data in a handy location. Password programs can be web-based, desktop-based or portable. While some programs are cost-based, the password managers listed below are all free of charge.
- KeePass Password Safe is an award-winning OSI Certified Open Source password manager that stores all user passwords in a database. The portable program, which is available in over 30 languages, supports the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Twofish algorithms. One master password is used to create and access the database. Features include auto-type, multiple user keys, random password generator, auto sort, search and more. Helpful tutorials and user forums are also available. KeePass is compatible with WinXP, Vista and 7, Linux, Mac OS X, PocketPC and more.
- Access Manager is a simple program that stores unlimited PIN and credit card numbers, website, logon and email passwords in one list. Just a few of the many features include dual encryption, unlimited notes, private or shared passwords, drag and drop, copy to Windows clipboard, search, customizable fonts and colors, print preview, user forum and help documentation. The award-winning program is available in both a fee-based professional edition and free version for personal, non-commercial use.
- Password Depot is an award-winning, simple to use password manager that encrypts passwords using the AES 256 algorithm. Features include an integrated password generator, auto-complete, password analyzer, customized fields and wizards. All passwords are encrypted twice. Password Depot protects passwords from keyloggers, clipboard viewers and infections and can be stored on a computer hard drive, Internet or memory stick. The program is available in a full version and freeware mode. The freeware version only allows 20 keywords per file. The program is available in a variety of languages.
- Password Dragon is a multi-platform password manager that is free and simple to use. Files are encrypted with BlowfishJ algorithm. Features include an intuitive interface, built-in random password generator, automatic back up, password strength indicator, search and sort. The program is available in several languages.
Windows 7 includes a password management system that allows users to change passwords on a regular basis. It is important to note since most password management programs require a master password or phrase, it is crucial to select a strong password to avoid compromise
Keep personal information such as passwords, credit cards and PIN numbers secure and keep hackers at bay with the free password managers listed above. To keep your computer in top-notch shape, please visit 4 Free Spyware Downloads and Free Online Anti-Virus Scanners for further information.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
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