How to Choose a Password

It seems like every website that you visit has different rules for passwords. Some want numbers, special characters or capital letters. Here is an easy way to create passwords that are hard to crack and easy to remember.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with a base password. Make it eight letters. This shouldn't be a word or anything to do with you. It should be a random assortment of letters.
   
   My Base password: abcdefgh

2. Every website is different with their password requirements. When directed to make your password use capital letters make two consecutive letters uppercase.
   
   My password now: abcDEfgh

3. If you are required to use letters and numbers, add a number to the front or back end. I prefer the front and I would probably use a number other than 1. I would not use a number that has to do with your telephone or birth date.
   
   My password now: 1abcDEfgh

4. If you need to have a special character, add it to the opposite end that you placed your number.
   
   My password now: 1abcDEfgh?

5. Here is a random password that I came up with. Who on earth would "guess" this password?
   
   5ghyuIKlo&

6. I would recommend using your base password for your basic things. Your fantasy football league doesn't need to be super secure. But, if you want you can use the whole password (with numbers, capitals & special characters) for all of your accounts. One advantage of doing that is you won't have to remember 4 or 5 different variations. However, some websites won't allow the use of some password options.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give out your password.
• This is not failsafe but it is better than using "password" for your password.

[larryyinger]

on 10/26/2009 Excellent point Kiwi. I "recommended" you.

[KiwiCommons]

on 10/26/2009 Good tips. I also recommend not to use a consecutive pattern.