How to Remember Passwords

The problem with good computer passwords is that they are hard to remember. Read on to learn how to create secure passwords that are easy to remember.

Instructions

1. Understand what makes a computer password secure - it will contain letters, numbers and symbols. It will be at least 8 characters long and it will not contain any common words. For example, "labrador" is a horrible password and "labrador1" isn't much better. But "rgw56!90" is a great password.

2. Choose a funny, uncommon catch phrase and use its initials as the beginning of your password. For example, "crazy flying squirrels" is a phrase that isn't really used, so I can make the first three characters of my password "cfs".

3. Add a random two or three digit number or string of symbols and add it to your password. Let's say I pick "79$". Now my password becomes "cfs79$".

4. Add a final two characters or numbers to your password. They can be based on a phrase, but this is not necessary. For example, I will add "tz". My final password is now "cfs79$tz".

5. To recall the password, think of your phrase. You will instantly know the first 3 characters and this provides a sufficiently unique index for your memory to tie it to the remaining random characters. You will probably have to type the password 20 or more times for it to become instantly remembered.

Tips & Warnings

• Never make your catch phrase common - it needs to be unique for it to be both unguessable and to carve out it's own space in your memory.

• Never write down a password. If you truly can't remember it, most sites have a mechanism for changing or retrieving it.