Online Security: Do "they" know your passwords?

Isn’t it a hassle to keep track of all the passwords you use on line? E mail, newspapers, airlines, entertainment sites…they all require registration with their own unique password. Not only is it annoying to try to think of something original but it isn’t always easy keeping track of the password you entered. I try to use different ones for every website but I have registered for at least 100 sites, so this ritual stretches my imagination as much as my memory. On top of that, experts recommend that you change all your passwords every 90 days. Imagine that! I’ve come across this very interesting and helpful study about the security of the passwords people use online. Many, they say, use overly simple passwords when they should use uncommon alphanumeric combinations. They explain how to come up with good passwords and even made a list of the ten most popular (and thus LEAST secure) passwords.

The Top Ten passwords to avoid

1. password
2. 123456
3. qwerty
4. 123abc
5. letmein
6. monkey
7. myspace1
8. password1
9. blink182
10. (your first name)