We all know that when using the internet, the strength of the password that we choose is important for security purposes. 

What kinds of passwords are people using?  According to an article on eWeek.com, these are the most common mistakes people make when choosing a password:

Length; 93% of passwords are between 6 and 10 characters

Strength: 50 percent of passwords are lowercase only

Complexity:  99 percent of passwords don't contain a non-alphanumeric character

To make your password more secure:

Random: 64 percent of passwords can't be found in a password dictionary

Unique: 80 percent of passwords occurred only once

So what are people using for passwords?  See inset box for the Top 25 Passwords That People Use... and avoid them.  Why?

If someone discovers your user name and password (think "hacker") "it's reasonable to assume many of these user-name or email combinations with the password could turn out to be the "key" to access (your other accounts such as) Gmail, ebay,  or Facebook accounts." says eWeek. 

Troy Hunt, software architect and security researcher, analyzed files released by a group who hacked into Sony Pictures and Sony BMG Music database.  His findings showed that there is "statistically a good chance that the majority of (these user name/password combinations) will work with other websites."

How to Strengthen Your Password:  Hunt says that using eight characters or more makes your password more secure. "Another good practice is to have a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and non-alphanumeric characters."

Some banks and other sites have gone to a two-factor authentification, where, after you enter your user name and password, you are directed to a "verification page" where you enter a six-digit code that is sent to your smartphone.

The more we use the internet for personal and business uses, the more security precautions are necessary.  Don't make your password your weakest link.  Start implementing these suggestions today!

Read the full article at eWeek.com.

Posted in Internet Marketing, Technology And YOU

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