best way to keep your password safe: write it using a keyboard remap like russian or armenian, or use a gaussian random generated number as a password, with a little extra letters.
Well..Im common sense passwords are CaSe SensitIvE. So even just having a capital letter in it is a bonus,
Repeat it... E.g. NatbyteNatbyte or add a number in the middle of the original... E.g. Nat9byteNat9byte
don't worry, it's a completely valid question. most people don't know, i only know because i type with a german keyboard, so i had to learn. it's very easy. firstly, what is your operating system?
I recommend using randomly generated passwords, over 10 letters. Store these in a physical location such as a notebook and keep that somewhere safe but if you really feel the need to have the passwords stored digitally make sure that you encrypt them. I would recommend NppCrypt, a plugin for Notepad++ it uses a password to encrypt and decrypt and is encrypted with one of the toughest encryptions - AES-256. I use randomly generated passwords for everything, you could also invest in an RSA key if you're on a network/domain as these will change your password every few minutes/seconds, this is what my school uses. I'd also recommend looking at this article however I'm not too sure how accurate it is, it's been a little over a year since I used any password cracking programs: https://xkcd.com/936/ Also, before downloading torrents or anything related to peer to peer sharing, be sure to check the comments and check the file against an online virus scanner (May not work if the file is very large). You should also scan your computer for viruses regularly, once with whatever AV you use and then again with MBAM. Also to what Bray said, you can change your keyboard mapping by going to control panel, regions and languages, to keyboards and languages and then change the language. Windows comes pre-installed with many different keyboard layouts; AZERTY, DVORAK etc. just take your pick.
although, if it doesn't show regions and languages in your control panel, then press start and type in: intl.cpl that'll come up with regions and languages, then go to keyboards and languages, change keyboards, and you can change your keyboard to a lot of different keyboards. although, general, it's better to use something like an armenian or russian keyboard map, although only use that for a program password. i recommend you stick to an english password when you come to your computer's actual password.
Love love love it, I really need to use this. All my passwords where usually one thing, a dog and a number. Changing them all today. Thanks
just a quick random tidbit of info, for fun, you can use howsecureismypassword.net. I know it really seems like bs but i've had fun typing in bogus passwords just to see what amounts come up. On a serious note, you've all done well with your posting, however I do have one tip that I personally use, and so do many other agencies. Changing your password every so often extremely helps, not only with stopping whoever is attempting to steal your info, but preventing a back door from being made into your PC. Personally, I change my passes for common items at least once every 6 weeks to once every 6 months, depending on the importance.