kaysee
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I thought I would start a thread for us all to post general computing Tips/Advice... so to get the ball rolling:
TOPIC: PC passwords and security.
PROBLEM: Cyber crime is ever increasing and many average users are simply overwhelmed by what they need to do to proctect themselves. The standard means of protection is user authentication via "User Name" and "Password". However, with people using more online services and each requiring their own UserName/Password, it is becoming quite a chore to remember all those UserNames/Passwords... and it is dangerous to use the same combination for multiple things.
SOLUTION: Some time ago the standard was never write your PIN/Password down so people can read it and gain access to you vital information. Time have changed. Criminals are now much more likely to gain access to your information via online methods: ie Viruses, Key Loggers etc or by simple "brute force" against weak passwords... than they are via physical means (ie breaking into your house). To keep your online details as safe as possible... keep a written hard copy of your UserNames/Passwords (secret questions if needed) at home. Change them often (say every 1-2 months). Keep them complicated using letters, numbers and special characters where you can.
Result is you can easily keep a list of complicated passwords that change often without feeling the pressure to remember them. Yes, there is a risk that someone who physically reads these passwords can access your information... but that risk is significantly lower than that of the online risk... plus common burglers are unlikely to steal "password" lists and you will probably know anyone else accessing that physical "password" list.
SUMMARY Keep a physical password list.
HTH
TOPIC: PC passwords and security.
PROBLEM: Cyber crime is ever increasing and many average users are simply overwhelmed by what they need to do to proctect themselves. The standard means of protection is user authentication via "User Name" and "Password". However, with people using more online services and each requiring their own UserName/Password, it is becoming quite a chore to remember all those UserNames/Passwords... and it is dangerous to use the same combination for multiple things.
SOLUTION: Some time ago the standard was never write your PIN/Password down so people can read it and gain access to you vital information. Time have changed. Criminals are now much more likely to gain access to your information via online methods: ie Viruses, Key Loggers etc or by simple "brute force" against weak passwords... than they are via physical means (ie breaking into your house). To keep your online details as safe as possible... keep a written hard copy of your UserNames/Passwords (secret questions if needed) at home. Change them often (say every 1-2 months). Keep them complicated using letters, numbers and special characters where you can.
Result is you can easily keep a list of complicated passwords that change often without feeling the pressure to remember them. Yes, there is a risk that someone who physically reads these passwords can access your information... but that risk is significantly lower than that of the online risk... plus common burglers are unlikely to steal "password" lists and you will probably know anyone else accessing that physical "password" list.
SUMMARY Keep a physical password list.
HTH
