As we look forward to 2008, tis the time for resolutions. A few pounds lost, less overtime, more exercise, and on and on. I’d like to bring up your online passwords. How many websites to you have passwords stored on? Amazon, your bank, paypal, credit cards, google accounts, and a host of other “unknown” websites. While I don’t have first hand knowledge of the “big ones” listed, it’s safe to assume they store your passwords in a secure manner. But what about that “unknown” list? How secure is your password? Do they encrypt it? How complex is their encryption scheme? I’ve seen quite a few sites that store user’s passwords in clear text (IE no encryption). That means that Johnny IT guy can rip thru the database and see your password.
Most people use the same password scheme across the board. The passwords used to login to their computer, accounting system and email are closely related with their online passwords. How close is yours?
Here’s your New Year’s challenge: come up with three different password schemes. One for your internal use (computer login, accounting system, and email), one for “high clearance sites” ( bank account and credit cards), and one for all the rest.
You’re on your own with your other resolutions, but good luck regardless!!
Stephen Tuttle
DS Technologies, Inc.