passphrase
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passphrase
(operating system)A string of words and characters that you
type in to authenticate yourself. Passphrases differ from
passwords only in length. Passwords are usually short - six
to ten characters. Passphrases are usually much longer - up
to 100 characters or more. Their greater length makes
passphrases more secure. Modern passphrases were invented by
Sigmund N. Porter in 1982.
Phil Zimmermann's popular encryption program PGP, for example, requires you to make up a passphrase that you then must enter whenever you sign or decrypt messages.
http://world.std.com/~reinhold/diceware.page.html.
Phil Zimmermann's popular encryption program PGP, for example, requires you to make up a passphrase that you then must enter whenever you sign or decrypt messages.
http://world.std.com/~reinhold/diceware.page.html.
This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)
password
A secret word or code used to serve as a security measure against unauthorized access to data. It may be used to log onto a computer, mobile device, network or website or to activate newly installed software in the computer. However, without additional measures such as biometric identification, the computer can only verify the legitimacy of the password, not the legitimacy of the user (see biometrics).Password Synonyms
"Passphrase," "passcode" and "PIN" are synonymous terms for this type of identity mechanism. A "key" is sometimes used as a synonym for password; however, this usually refers to a code generated to encrypt and decrypt messages or to unlock software. See PIN, one-time password, password manager, public key cryptography, password spraying and NCSC.
Password Tips from the NCSC
The following six password safety tips are from the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC):
1. CHANGE PASSWORD FREQUENTLY - The longer you use a password, the higher the risk.
2. USE GOOD PASSWORDS - Do not use persons, places or things that can be identified with you.
3. DON'T DISCLOSE YOUR PASSWORD - Your password is as valuable as the information it protects.
4. INSPECT YOUR DATA - If you suspect someone has tampered with your files, report it immediately.
5. NEVER LEAVE AN ACTIVE TERMINAL UNATTENDED - Always log out or lock your terminal before leaving it.
6. REPORT SUSPECTED COMPUTER ABUSE - Whether directed against you or not, abuse or misuse of your computer resources only hinders the timely completion of your tasks.
Check Your Password Strength |
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Go to www.howsecureismypassword.net and type in your password to find out just how secure it is. |
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