Shane, ignore my last message. I misread the "subject" of the message. Everything's cool.

Tony

A minimum of 8 letters and numbers, but also a couple of unusual items such as exclamation points, asterisks, etc., all of which can be found at the top of the keyboard, make for a much more secure password. Also, don't use the same password for all your accounts - and change them at least oce a year.

You have to figure out a good way to keep track of them all, but it's a lot better than being hacked. and there are many sites out there that will keep track of them for you, Robocop being just one good one of several.

I disagree about allowing your computer to keep track of your passwords, thats the best way for a hacker to get all of your passwords saved on the computer, once they gain access. I agree that the unusual characters mixed into your passwords is strong. Many times also changing the User Name, on an account, is almost as good as changing a password itself.

I have SO many websites and Passwords, I have to keep a written log book; safe from the internet, but like leaving the keys in the car if anyone takes the log.

Locks, like Passwords, are only ment to keep the honest out, if somebody wants in they will get in; just look at the credit card fraud when major sites are hacked (there was just such an incodent here where I live). None of any password or user name changing is enough,  vigilance by closely watching your most important accounts is necessary. Nothing is safe in todays world. Nothing.

Shane,  is there a specific reason this blog is being sent around this week.  I have noticed alot of spam email from people I know.  For cheap online meds, etc.  Does changing the password really help with this sort of stealing of email address'?

Yes. We have detected lots of activity where people try to "brute force" hack mailboxes. Means they guess common passwords and try over and over. 

We scanned all the users and tagged any passwords that might be strengthened up a bit and emailed everyone.

The "spam" are people that have been hacked and their mailboxes are used for spam.  OR just have some sort of malware or worm.

I have also created a video to help everyone change their password http://support.websiteforge.com/custom/demo2011/demo_change_password.htm

Thanks, Shane

As far as a password manager goes..

Jon, there is a BIG difference between hacking your actual PC and someone out there guessing your passwords.

If a person has a problem remembering his password.  It's better to use a password mananger than to use insecure passwords.

Remember to hack your PC requires more effort (usually) than to sit out in cyber-space and try and re-try passwords (called brute force) until one works.

So it's true a password manager isn't "Mil Spec" security -- it's better than insecure passwords.

Also remember that  many password managers only remember the passwords for use on ONE pc.  So the hacker would have to USE your pc to access your important info.  

Just make sure you have a firewall software and some sort of anti-virus and anti-malware software.

Shane