This week will be all about passwords vs passphrases, which should you choose, and how to create them.
Passwords vs Passphrases
For those unfamiliar with passphrases a passphrase is, "A sentence-like string of words used for authentication that is longer than a traditional password, easy to remember, and difficult to crack." (Andrew Froehlich, TeachTarget) An example might be "Gre3n g0at$ wabbl3 DoWnStair$". Due to it being a phrase, it is easier to remember. It is also much longer than a traditional password and can include spaces, numbers, or symbols. The longer a passphrase is the less likely it will be predicted by an attacker. These all help strengthen data, accounts, and devices and protect them from potential hackers.
Strong Passwords
If you do choose to use a password, there are a few important guidelines to follow. Your password should be 12 to 14 characters long. The longer the password the better. It should also be a mix of upper and lower case letters. Be sure to put in a string of symbols as well. Avoid any names, dates, products, and organization. These make it much too easy for hackers to predict or guess your password and leave your account extremely vulnerable.
Creating a Passphrase
Passphrases can be created in a few different ways.
Take a short phrase and change capitalization, replace some letters with symbols, or misspell or abbreviate words. (“iced tea is great for summer” becomes “!cedTisgr84$umm3R”.)
Choose several shorter words and add some numbers in the center, then change the capitalization and substitute symbols for letters. (E.g., the phrase “book 451 Bradbury” becomes “bO()K451BR^Dbury”.)
Choose a memorable phrase or quote and vary the capitalization. (E.g. "The only way out is through" becomes "%tHe OnLy *WAY out iS THroUgh!"
With a passphrase, hackers are less likely to obtain your personal information, gain access to email accounts, or data. For additional information please visit: https://shorturl.at/HxWpY
I hope you have found these tech tips helpful! Please feel free to share these tips out or contact us with questions or comments.
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