Are passwords obsolete?

Yes, they damn are! And we are mad as hell and we are not going to take it anymore!

Le pont des Arts – Paris

I presently have 134 different passwords and they are multiplying like rabbits on moonlight. It feels like schlepping a big load on my back and it is painfully slowing me down. Just like “lovelocks” on some bridges, it is a burden and it is threatening to bring the whole structure down.

Cybercommerce is to blame for that predicament. Each time you deal with a new outfit, it demands a new password. I understand the reason behind it, but it still is a hassle.

When shopping online I try to deal with a minimum of companies to mitigate the problem. When I purchase something, I usually stick with a reliable outfit like Amazon. They know me and wave me in like an old friend… but this is not always possible.

The problem with passwords is that they have to be complex (at least 12 various digits) and difficult to guess. But on the other hand, they are also impossible to remember. I barely recall my relatives’ names, so how do you expect me to memorize q$R*!!IL6xjB and its myriads of cousins?

I thought for a while that I could use French names or expressions to stump the enemy, but unfortunately, too many people now understand that language. Then I thought about resorting to Russian (with Cyrillic characters) passwords, but the Russians are master hackers. They probably pioneered that technique. If I did this, they would probably cheer me and send me (fake) flowers.

Cybercommerce is just in his infancy and will continue to grow, but there has to be a better way of dealing with security. I understand that the big Tech Guys (particularly Google) are working on this, but tomorrow is not soon enough.

Finding a solution to this irritating problem would be like finding a cure for cancer.

In the meantime, you need to remain extremely vigilant and never use the same password for all your different purchases. The easiest way to deal with this problem is to use a password manager.

Treat your password like your toothbrush. Don’t let anybody else use it, and get a new one every six months.” Clifford Stoll

 Hackers use bots and “brute force” attacks to crack passwords. A simple password like your firstborn or your dog’s name would not last a minute.

Think of passwords as deadbolts on your doors. If you use cheap locks, soon or later you will be burgled. I guarantee it.

Alain

PS: Just for fun… I wonder if anybody would be clever enough to break this (easy to remember) code that I just created: Aedlp@Ljdgea

Any “Like” would be appreciated ?