<computerusers>
Jan 2003
Computer Answers, Tips & Information
- Jeff Hudson, YCAR Computer
Coordinator
PASSWORDS AND SECURITY
“Attack Methods” are schemes used to crack (detect) passwords. Unscrupulous persons known as Password Crackers, can break into a computer and use these methods to crack passwords that will give them access to financial and business files, personal documents and e-mail, address books and more.
Powerful password-cracking programs are easily obtained via the internet. They are intended for legitimate password recovery when people forget their passwords. It is an unfortunate reality that malicious use of these same programs can not be prevented.
These programs use methods such as the “dictionary method” to assault a computer with common words, names, phrases, numbers and quotations. They can even use more than one language.
Simple passwords are easily cracked when matched against thousands of words each second. Almost any password can be cracked in time. It takes more time to crack a long complex password, which can force a frustrated theif to quit his assault.
Experts in Computer Security advise us that strong passwords are our best defense against intruders. They recommend the following when creating passwords:
1 Avoid short, simple passwords. Make your password at least six to eight characters long. The longer the better. Each additional character increases the amount of time needed to sniff out your password.
2 Use different kinds of characters – upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols like $ or %. A password like “jOhN$%dOe” is much tougher to crack than “johndoe.”
3 Never use information that is easily available to others. That includes your name, address, birth date, mother’s maiden name, names of spouses, children or even your pets.
4 Change your password regularly, at least every four to six weeks. Avoid recycling old passwords.
5 Never tape passwords to the computer. Instead, write your passwords down and then store them out of sight.
BROADBAND SECURITY
If you are lucky enough to be in an area that has access to either cable or DSL broadband internet connection, you can now surf the Web, download software, watch video, and listen to audio at speeds considerably greater and efficient than your old dial-up connection.
But be sure to enhance your computer’s security by doing the following:
1 Turn off File Sharing. Microsoft leaves this on by default, but you don't need to have it on. Turning it off will protect you from hackers.
To turn it off:
-Right-click Network Neighborhood, and
-select Properties.
-Click the Configuration tab.
-Click the File and Print Sharing button.
-Uncheck both checkboxes.
-Click OK, and
-OK again
2 Install a firewall. A firewall helps protect your computer from unwanted Internet traffic. It runs in the background and is easy to use. I recommend ZoneAlarm. It works well, and it's free at:
www.zonelabs.com
3 Update your operating system. Thanks to your new connection, keeping up with the latest system updates isn't as laborious as it was with a dial-up connection. With broadband, some system updates take a couple of minutes to download and install. For Microsoft Windows updates go to:
windowsupdate.microsoft.com
TUNE-UP YOUR BROADBAND CONNECTION
Sure, your connection is fast. Make sure you're getting all the speed you can get by using the tips on the Navas Cable Modem/DSL Tuning Guide at:
cable-dsl.home.att.net