Password Tips.

So in my System Administration class we discussed how to crate good passwords, so I'm going to pass on some tips on how to make a secure password.

NOTE: These tips are not perfect, if you see a problem please tell me and I will correct it. The examples may not be strong they are simple to give you a feel of what I'm talking about.

1) Don't use passwords use passphrases. Passphrases are passwords that contain more then one word. Say that you like Star Wars so you make your password "Lightsaber" instead make it into a passphrase like "Yoda has a green light saber".

2) Use "shocking nonsense" (Unix and Linux System Administration Handbook 4th edition) which is to use phrases that make no sense and they are shocking (things that a normal person will not say out loud). Example "Walking in the forest and supporting wood" take the Star Wars from before, a fellow student came up with "Suck by saber master Vader" which is not that shocking but you get the point. If your password is to long you can just take the first letters of each word and throw in some numbers or special charters.

3) Throw some random Capitals, numbers and symbols in the mix.

4) Don't make it to complex. Sure making your password/phrase complex will make it more secure but what good is it when it is to complex for you to remember.

5) If you have to have multiple passwords write each one down and place them their own sealed envelope and place the envelopes in a very secure place such as a vault, no really. If you need it or if anything happens to you a trusted friend or family member can access it and do what is needed, plus when the you find the seal broken you know someone has your passwords and you know to change it.

6) Change your passwords when you suspect someone other then you knows it.

7) Use common sense, don't use your birthday, social security number, abc123 (my mother was using that as her email password for years), and other simple ones that people can figure out just by knowing you.