LANSING – Passwords are becoming a thing of the past and we might want to consider an alternative. With all the account access needed from day to day, it becomes increasingly difficult to come up with unique new complex passwords that can be remembered. Instead, we could start using passphrases. Passphrases can easily exceed the current standard for strong passwords and are generally easier to remember.
Here?s how to create a passphrase:
Think of something that does not directly relate to you but is something you would remember. Example: thisismypassphrase
Now come up with a letter replacement algorithm. Example: i=% s=S p=2 e=3 Th%S%Smy2aSS2hraS3
You now have a strong password passphrase.
Just like passwords, be sure to change your passphrases frequently, never share them and don?t reuse them. You should also keep your passphrase algorithm a secret.
This column appeared in the July edition of the MI Cyber Initiative Newsletter.
