It is recommended that a Passphrase is used instead of a Password, and that it is made up of the following.

1) Letters of both Upper and Lower case.

2) At least one Number.
This doesn't necessarily mean adding the year that you were born, or some other number.
A more secure method, is to substitute a letter for a number . A = 4, B = 8, E = 3 or swapping the letter “ O “ for a zero.

3) At least one Special Character.
These can also be used to replace letters. A = @, C = (, And I can become !, or / etc.

It is also an idea to avoid Dictionary Spellings. The use of “ Text Speak “ can help to make a passphrase harder to crack.


EXAMPLE

A Starwars fan might choose “ may the force be with you” as the basis of their passphrase, and after the rules above have been applied, their passphrase could become something more like this.........

M@yteh4ce8ew1dU

Good advice. I'm sure most online users, and that includes me, are too casual about the passwords they use. It is so convenient to use a "one-for-all" password or passphrase.

I generally use the same password for all sites like forums etc., I can't see any problem with that, although I'm willing to be corrected if there could be.

Sites where I shop or bank I obviously protect better, I think a passphrase is a good idea, it should be easier to remember

Password strength tester here:


http://examples.drquincy.com/passwordstrengthwidget.shtml

As most password are usually done in lower case, what also comes in handy is using.

o = 0
i = 1
b = 6
t = 7

So philip would be: = ph1l1p

How to have a different password for each site you use, but you'll never forget it:

1. Take a memorable number like birth date, car registration or a telephone number. (I'll use 1st April 1066 for an example.)

2. Split it at a suitable point 0104 1066

3. For any site, forum etc - insert the first three letters of the site name in the split.

4. The password for here becomes 0104mik1066

0104pca1066 PC Advisor
0104com1066 ComputerActive

Easy huh?

I, personally, use the same, fairly simple password for all the help forums that I am registered on, as I don't think security is of such a heightened requirement as banking and other financial sites are.

Except for some clown posting a message in your name, there is not a real danger if it is cracked.

dave

There seems to be a slight misunderstanding. My suggestion has little to do with signing on to forums, it was intended more for when a secure password is required.

Laolitan,
I understand why you posted a great suggestion. It was with Dave (Accordion) suggesting putting forum site letters in the middle of a group of numbers.
dave

I only used forums as an example. the format could be used for anything you want. Lets say Nat West bank instead:

0104nat1066

As per usual, the misunderstanding is as much mine as anyone's .
Some things never change !

Personally I use Roboform which keeps track of my passwords, it includes a password generator and all one needs to remember is one password. One can also set sites to password protect or a stright log in. I think it's great

Albie

PS Roboform2togo can be intalled on a USB stick which can then be used on any computer