Passwords
From CVL Wiki
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=Use a passphrase instead of a password= | =Use a passphrase instead of a password= | ||
| − | At the most basic level, a password's strength is derived from it's length. The longer the password, the better. | + | At the most basic level, a password's strength is derived from it's length. The longer the password, the better. Passphrases tend to be easier to remember and type, while still remaining very strong and hard to crack. |
| − | + | A passphrase of 4 words, "correct horse battery staple" is stronger than a password of 11 characters and high complexity, "Tr0ub4dor&3" | |
This XKCD comic illustrates the issue: https://xkcd.com/936/ | This XKCD comic illustrates the issue: https://xkcd.com/936/ | ||
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#Name the database and save it to your computer | #Name the database and save it to your computer | ||
#* We recommend saving the database file to your VT Google Drive folder or Documents folder | #* We recommend saving the database file to your VT Google Drive folder or Documents folder | ||
| − | # | + | #Enter a Master Password, twice. |
| + | #*Again, we recommend using a "Master Passphrase" of 4 or more words with capitols, spaces and punctuation. | ||
Revision as of 15:40, 25 April 2014
Contents |
VT Password Info
VT will expire your PID and Hokies passwords once a year.
- How to change all your VT passwords: http://computing.vt.edu/kb/entry/3924
- Creating strong passwords: http://www.awareness.security.vt.edu/passwords/strong_passwords.html
Use a passphrase instead of a password
At the most basic level, a password's strength is derived from it's length. The longer the password, the better. Passphrases tend to be easier to remember and type, while still remaining very strong and hard to crack.
A passphrase of 4 words, "correct horse battery staple" is stronger than a password of 11 characters and high complexity, "Tr0ub4dor&3"
This XKCD comic illustrates the issue: https://xkcd.com/936/
Suggestions for creating a passphrase
- Think of your favorite poem or book.
- Choose a line from your favorite movie.
- Use a nonsensical phrase of words, something that has meaning to you.
Type it out. Make sure it is at least 4 words long. Now, because almost all sites require AlphaNumeric + Special characters, you should capitalize one or more words and add punctuation. Be sure to include spaces.
- Example: Correct horse Battery staple!
Use a password manager
Password managers are programs that will protect and save your account info and passwords to your computer. These programs use a master passphrase to encrypt all of your passwords, making it easy to update and find all of your passwords.
- We recommend using Keepass as your password manager.
Using KeePass
- Download Keepass Professional Edition (Version 2.X)
- Install Keepass with the default options
- Open Keepass
- Create a new KeePass database: File menu -> New
- Name the database and save it to your computer
- We recommend saving the database file to your VT Google Drive folder or Documents folder
- Enter a Master Password, twice.
- Again, we recommend using a "Master Passphrase" of 4 or more words with capitols, spaces and punctuation.
