For me, this time of year is usually when I start getting those dreaded password-expiration notices. For many of us, we us multiple EMRs, hospital computer systems, emails, list servs, and online course catalogs, each with a different username and password requirement. To keep all your passwords in line, try some of these tips I use. It might prevent you from resorting to a sticky note!
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In the example to the left, I created a random "base password" that includes numbers, capital and lower case letters, and a special character. This should be an easy to remember password (Red12345!). Then, for every site, I create a password based on the above "base password" by just adding the site name and a number. To keep your base password and formula protected, I recommend using a more complex version of this formula, as this is relatively easy to break once you see one password. |
3. Create a throwaway account: For many apps and sites, creating an account is merely a formality. For these sites, I recommend using a secondary email account and basic password, since this will not include your credit card information or other personal info, I am usually less concerned with the possibility of that password being found.