Keep those passwords unique and safe

Following a recent site visit to a client, where their server was protected by a default username and password (and I guessed it first attempt) it seemed timely to remind everyone about some basic password rules.

Creating a secure password:

• Mix capital and lowercase letters.
• Include punctuation marks and/or numbers.
• Include similar looking substitutions, such as the number zero for the letter 'O' or '$' for the letter 'S' or number 3 for letter "e".
• Create a unique acronym.
• Use an unrelated piece of date e.g. name of place on map selected by random pin

You should avoid:

• Don't use a password that contains personal information (name, birth date, etc.)
• Don't use keyboard patterns (asdf) or sequential numbers (1234).
• Don't make your password all numbers, uppercase letters or lowercase letters.

And remember to keep passwords safe and change them regularly. You might want to load your passwords into a password safe where you need a master password to access them when the time comes.

Time for spring cleaning...