Privacy, Security & Virus Information

When it comes to passwords, safe is good and virus protection is better

When it comes down to it, it’s a frightening thought that our computer password or passwords are a considerably major key to keep our digital identity out of the hands of those who would breach our computer security. Anyone who can crack these passwords could well be on the way to cracking our credit card and bank account details. And that can be painful.

What is worrying is that in a recent analysis of passwords that have become exposed, the practice of tens of thousands of computer owners worldwide show that commonly used passwords, are the norm instead of the exception. That means any hacker who succeeds in compromising a computer's security, will be handed the digital equivalent of a "welcome" sign when they arrive at the password protection side of their break-in. The global internet community has to rapidly realize that maintain a weak password because it is easy to remember is playing with fire.

Security experts now stress that the only practice that should be used when designating a password is basically the opposite of what has been used till now. Hackers are smart people and will soon find a way around passwords that have been figured on birthdays, favourite football teams or budgerigar's names. The suggestions are that the time spent thinking up a full proof password could well be the only way that a computer owner's password can be fully protected. That could go as far as using a series of completely random numbers and letters that make no sense. That way the hacker should never be able to use your password. Many people fall into the trap of evolving a completely untraceable password and then copy it when they log in to the sensitive regions of their computer. This is a dangerous practice as hackers will be able to decipher your code. Passwords should ideally be kept in your head, and if that is too tough a task, written down somewhere around your computer.

The problematic issue of password protection is one that is being addressed with experts arguing on the merits of changed passwords on a regular basis, taking into account that all passwords will become vulnerable if the hacker is given enough time to work on various combinations. However if the password is sufficiently strong, the time needed to crack them may make it too much of a challenge for the cyber criminals and they will move on.

To keep the hackers to even get close to your password means investing in the best virus protection software that you can find. Don't let a bad experience teach you that the least expensive software will do the job. Instead take into account that the information you have gathered on your hard discs and RAM will, be worth a hundred times more than it will cost you to invest in virus protection software that will do the job.

 

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