How to Creat a Strong Password
Creating Strong Passwords
When creating a password, it is a good idea to follow these guidelines:
Do Not Do the Following:
. Do Not Use Only Words or Numbers . You should never use solely numbers or words in a
password.
Some examples include the following:
. 8675309
. juan
. hackme
. Do Not Use Recognizable Words . Words such as proper names, dictionary words, or even
terms from television shows or novels should be avoided, even if they are bookended with
numbers.
. john1
. DS-9
. mentat123
. Do Not Use Words in Foreign Languages .Password cracking programs often check against
word lists that encompass dictionaries of many languages. Relying on foreign languages for
secure passwords is of little use.
Some examples include the following:
. cheguevara
. bienvenido1
. 1dumbKopf
. Do Not Use Hacker Terminology . If you think you are elite because you use hacker terminology
. also called l337 (LEET) speak . in your password, think again. Many word lists
include LEET speak.
Some examples include the following:
. H4X0R
. 1337
. Do Not Use Personal Information .Steer clear of personal information. If the attacker knows
who you are, they will have an easier time guring out your password if it includes information
such as:
. Your name
. The names of pets
. The names of family members
. Any birth dates
. Your phone number or zip code
. Do Not Invert Recognizable Words . Good password checkers always reverse common
words, so inverting a bad password does not make it any more secure.
Some examples include the following:
. R0X4H
. nauj
. 9-DS
. Do Not Write Down Your Password . Never store your password on paper. It is much safer
to memorize it.
. Do Not Use the Same Password For All Machines . It is important that you make separate
passwords for each machine. This way if one system is compromised, all of your machines
will not be immediately at risk.
Do the Following:
. Make the Password At Least Eight Characters Long . The longer the password is, the better.
If you are using MD5 passwords, it should be 15 characters long or longer. With DES
passwords, use the maximum length . eight characters.
. Mix Upper and Lower Case Letters . Red Hat Linux is case sensitive, so by mixing cases,
you will enhance the strength of the password.
. Mix Letters and Numbers . Adding numbers to passwords, especially when added to the
middle (not just at the beginning or the end), can enhance password strength.
. Include Non-Alphanumeric Characters . Special characters such as &, $, and can greatly
improve the strength of a password.
. Pick a Password You Can Remember . The best password in the world does you little good
if you cannot remember it. So use acronyms or other mnemonic devices to aid in memorizing
passwords.
With all these rules, it may seem difcult to create a password meeting all of the criteria for good
passwords while avoiding the traits of a bad one. Fortunately, there are some simple steps one can
take to generate a memorable, secure password.
When creating a password, it is a good idea to follow these guidelines:
Do Not Do the Following:
. Do Not Use Only Words or Numbers . You should never use solely numbers or words in a
password.
Some examples include the following:
. 8675309
. juan
. hackme
. Do Not Use Recognizable Words . Words such as proper names, dictionary words, or even
terms from television shows or novels should be avoided, even if they are bookended with
numbers.
. john1
. DS-9
. mentat123
. Do Not Use Words in Foreign Languages .Password cracking programs often check against
word lists that encompass dictionaries of many languages. Relying on foreign languages for
secure passwords is of little use.
Some examples include the following:
. cheguevara
. bienvenido1
. 1dumbKopf
. Do Not Use Hacker Terminology . If you think you are elite because you use hacker terminology
. also called l337 (LEET) speak . in your password, think again. Many word lists
include LEET speak.
Some examples include the following:
. H4X0R
. 1337
. Do Not Use Personal Information .Steer clear of personal information. If the attacker knows
who you are, they will have an easier time guring out your password if it includes information
such as:
. Your name
. The names of pets
. The names of family members
. Any birth dates
. Your phone number or zip code
. Do Not Invert Recognizable Words . Good password checkers always reverse common
words, so inverting a bad password does not make it any more secure.
Some examples include the following:
. R0X4H
. nauj
. 9-DS
. Do Not Write Down Your Password . Never store your password on paper. It is much safer
to memorize it.
. Do Not Use the Same Password For All Machines . It is important that you make separate
passwords for each machine. This way if one system is compromised, all of your machines
will not be immediately at risk.
Do the Following:
. Make the Password At Least Eight Characters Long . The longer the password is, the better.
If you are using MD5 passwords, it should be 15 characters long or longer. With DES
passwords, use the maximum length . eight characters.
. Mix Upper and Lower Case Letters . Red Hat Linux is case sensitive, so by mixing cases,
you will enhance the strength of the password.
. Mix Letters and Numbers . Adding numbers to passwords, especially when added to the
middle (not just at the beginning or the end), can enhance password strength.
. Include Non-Alphanumeric Characters . Special characters such as &, $, and can greatly
improve the strength of a password.
. Pick a Password You Can Remember . The best password in the world does you little good
if you cannot remember it. So use acronyms or other mnemonic devices to aid in memorizing
passwords.
With all these rules, it may seem difcult to create a password meeting all of the criteria for good
passwords while avoiding the traits of a bad one. Fortunately, there are some simple steps one can
take to generate a memorable, secure password.
