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To: Skywise
Everybody should be using a password manager to generate unique passwords for all their accounts.

Speaking from experience...don't...especially if you have a mix of Windows and Apple devices.

On the Windows side, we had a computer that corrupted Windows and had to have it reinstalled. Upon reinstallation, the generated passwords...which only the "security program" knew, ceased to work.

Additionally, we have had numerous issues with the generated passwords transitioning from OSX to Windows 11.

IF you have a poor memory, remember ONE "basic" password and then use an identifier of the website you are accessing as either a prefix or a suffix. For instance... Make your "basic" password something like "Six&3/8ths" or something similar that you CAN remember that is a mixture of upper and lower case, numbers and symbols.

Then, let 's say, you are logging onto an account on www.example.com. You take the first 3 or 4 letters of the website (your call, but be consistent) and add it to the "basic" password, either before or after (again, I suggest you be consistent). In this case you might come up with - examSix&3/8ths.

This type of password will drive a password guessing program crazy.

11 posted on 07/09/2024 9:21:59 AM PDT by Crusher138 ("Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just")
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To: Crusher138

Speaking from experience - always backup your password files to a different machine!!!

If you’re on multiple OS’ you can use a 3rd party manager like bitwarden or 1password which will save your passwords securely in the cloud which also helps synchronize access.

Microsoft authenticator will do the same thing.


14 posted on 07/09/2024 9:25:36 AM PDT by Skywise
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To: Crusher138

That’s the same system I came up with, you must be an IT. There was a time when I had to manage over 45 passwords for all of the system access that I needed.


18 posted on 07/09/2024 9:32:23 AM PDT by wildcard_redneck (He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither.)
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To: Crusher138; Skywise
I had an ongoing argument with DoD and NSA over passwords and password change requirements since the early '90s.

I argued, unsuccessfully, that the requirements they were levying almost guaranteed that users would do the ONE thing that they never should, WRITE DOWN A PASSWORD.

I went in to a Joint Service Command one weekend and ran into an Army general and an Air Force Colonel trying to figure out how to get into a subordinate AF Major's computer because they needed a report. I asked if I could have a try. I poked about but didn't find a written PW. So I stared at what was on his desk and the pictures. I got his PW on the first try. I suggested that they have the MAJ change his PW to something less easy to guess.

I should note that our most secure systems were never affected by this policy. They were already inside SCIFs and did not have outside access except through cryptographic gear.

You would be amazed at what I could tell you about a command with just access to the UNCLAS administrative computer systems.

SpyNavy

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)

LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

42 posted on 07/09/2024 12:13:43 PM PDT by LonePalm (Commander and Chef)
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To: Crusher138

46 posted on 07/09/2024 6:58:00 PM PDT by Mean Daddy (Every time Hillary lies, a demon gets its wings. - Windflier)
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