Tag Archives: passwords

Passwords Reinforced Again & Again

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enter-1643453_1280If you are, or have ever been, one of the millions of email users or credit systems users,  and your password was compromised, then you already know this is a worthwhile cause for concern. That is to say, we can not have too many suggestions for protecting our passwords and personal information when using technology to apply and store them.

As always I am looking for articles on the www or other places, which I think are important enough to focus on at tech4boomers.  Here we are again with yet another consideration regarding Passwords. Such is the case with some of these apps (below), which claim to be our newest answers for helping us with the on-going dilemma of password infiltration.

How can you create strong passwords: strong, and “remember-able” the same time? An article by Kit Eaton discusses extensively the following apps:

  1. Dashlane – Free for iOS and Android. This app can automatically update passwords, and is compatible with many websites. It also checks if the passwords you create are hacker-resistant.  It comes with a built-in browser to protect your banking  online. There is an upgrade available for $40/year.
  2. Keeper – Free for iOS and Android.  This app has an automatic generator. You can file your passwords and other information in folders. You can also use your Apple Watch and Android Wear, which lets you login uses these devices.
  • Some favorites in this category are: 1PASSWORD, LASTPASS  and KEEPASSDROID.

You can read the details at Source: After You Strengthen Your Passwords, Here’s How to Store Them – The New York Times

 

 

Passwords Conversations

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canstockphoto13013303

OK, let’s be honest with each other. How many passwords do you have?  For myself,  I’ve lost count.  Seriously, do you know where all your passwords are?  Maybe you have them on a  post-it, or two.  Chances are it’s becoming more and more difficult for you to keep track of them; especially since experts recommend passwords should be changed at least every six months.

Things To Do

A. You can read about a password generator app (Wolfram)  from iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wolfram-password-generator/id479550619?mt=8

B. Symantec suggests that we use mnemonic phrases to create passwords. Examples of  mnemonic phrases might include a phrase spelled phonetically, such as ‘ImaKat!’ (instead of ‘I’m a cat!’) or the first letters of a memorable phrase such as ‘qbfjold*’ = “quick brown fox jumped over lazy dog.” You can read more at http://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/simplest-security-guide-better-password-practices

C. If you’re running out of ideas about how to keep up this very important responsibility, you may want to use an App to help you organize/protect your passwords. This method may be a little difficult for Baby Boomers to embrace; however, I have learned recently that Echo Boomers use their smartphones to do all kinds of things. Two examples are banking and paying the check at the restaurant.  And yes, some of them think that the use of Apps to protect their identities is the best way to handle this important chore.  That brings me to an article I read about Apps that manage all of this information in one place. Below is a brief summary of available Apps you can use to help you with passwords.  You can click the link below to read the article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/17/technology/personaltech/apps-to-protect-your-array-of-passwords.html?_r=0

D. Password Security Suggestions:   1) Use a different password for the websites that you visit frequently. 2) Use a Password Manager.

E.Password Managers:
1password. Read a review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2408348,00.asp

Lastpass.  Free! Read a review at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426798,00.asp

Onesafe.  ios App.  Read a review at: http://webapprater.com/reviews/onesafe-ios-app-provides-full-security.html

Keeper. Free! Read about it at:  https://keepersecurity.com/

I hope this is helpful! 🙂

What Are Strong Passwords?

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 As we consider time, and time again  how to protect our on-line privacy, one of the more important aspects of using the Internet’s, Email, Banking, Shopping, Twitter, LinkedIn, FaceBook websites is our Passwords. These are the keys to accessing our ‘private’ information. But, what is  a strong password? How do we cope with the fundamental need to create complex ‘passkeys’ ? How do we avoid  having ‘unauthorized’ sources acquire this information?  I searched the Internet. Below is a summary of  what some experts think:

  1.  create complicated passwords.
  2.  passwords should be longer than six characters.
  3.  passwords should be changed frequently.

Additional Suggestions –

  • Updates: The longer you keep the same password, the easier it is for someone to get access to your private data.
  •  Change your passwords every six months (recommended by  The Information Technology Department at Utah State University)
  • Complexity: According to Microsoft.com, passwords should be at least eight characters in length, preferably 14 characters or longer. The more complex the password, the less likely it is to be stolen. Read more about this by checking this link – via How Often Should You Change Your Password? | eHow.com.

For those of you who find it difficult to create complicated passwords, there are websites that you can use to help you with this task.  Use the links below which may help you get this done is an easier fashion.

♦ iphone –

How should you keep track of your passwords?

A more secure way to keep track of your secret code is to download one of the many password managers available online. Two of the most popular are RoboForm and LastPass. These are plug-ins that collect your passwords as you make your way around the Web, encrypt them and store them either on your computer or on the company’s servers, or sometimes both.

If you come up with a complicated password that you are likely to forget immediately, no problem. The password manager will remember it and automatically fill it in when a pass code is requested the next time you’re on the site. Many of the password managers even generate obscure passwords for you.

Security experts said a password manager is a good way to secure your codes from most hackers, but there are downsides you need to consider. There is still the risk that sophisticated hackers can come after your password manager and get all the stored pass codes in one swoop. via Three easy ways to keep track of your passwords – latimes.com.

♦ Most of us are keeping our passwords on post-its, little slips of paper, and in our head, and often we even forget what the last password we created was because we are moving so quickly trying to get the task done.

♦ If you are the pen and paper type, you can keep a notebook handy and write down all the websites you visit as well as the user names and passwords. Do not forget to update the notebook when you visit a new site. via How to Keep Track of Passwords | eHow.com.

I hope this is helpful 🙂

Tech Savviness… Email Savviness … & More

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FBI Deadline for DNS CHANGER IS

JULY 9, 2012  

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Email Savviness:

How many of us have thought that the ‘rules and regulations’ implemented by our workplace management is put in place to  protect us? I bet most of us are grumbling about the Internet restrictions imposed by management at our workplace.  Did you know there is an ePolicy Institute?  You can find out what the ePolicy Institute thinks is worth “protecting employees from”.  What are eRisks, eRights, eResponsibilities? Can employers ‘legally’ read your email? Is it OK to email your kids during work hours? What is ‘social engineering‘?  The next time you have an opportunity you may want to visit the website.  There is much to learn.  In addition they have free literature.  Click this link to go to the website-  Search the ePolicy Institute.

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Tech Savviness:  Router Passwords

In a previous tech4boomers post we discussed the importance of using up-to-date equipment.  In particular old routers, which may not be providing you with the best service.  Equally as important is knowing how to protect your home network from unauthorized access.  PASSWORDS are very important when it comes to protecting your Network.   Below are some guidelines I found in an article recently. Click on the link provided to get the full details.

Though no password is foolproof, you can build a better password by combining numbers and letters into a complex and unique string. Remember to change both your Wi-Fi password (the string that guests enter to access your network) and your router administrator password (the one you enter to log in to the administration console–the two may sometimes be the same). via How To Lock Down Your Wireless Network | PCWorld.

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Healthful Computing:

iPad users will want to pay attention and be careful of their body posture when using this device.  Read what the article I found in the New York Times Science section recently had to say:  The scientists studied 15 experienced tablet users in their natural viewing positions. Placing a tablet on the lap created the greatest strain, the researchers found, because it forces the user to look down at a steep angle, causing head and neck flexion – a particular hazard for users who are doing a lot of typing. via WELL – Really? The Claim – Using an iPad can strain your neck. – Question – NYTimes.com.

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BuddyTV Guide App

According to what I have read this APP is worth looking into 🙂

  • Speedy
  • Find what you want to watch in 20 seconds or less
  • Tailors to your TV tastes.
  • Even changes the channel for you.

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I hope this is helpful 🙂