Leisure World News

A12 March 2022 • Community • www.lwca.com By Christopher Winter This month, I would like to cover password management software. There are a number of password management software programs out there, so the question is, “Which is the best?” First, we have to break it off into two categories: paid and free. 1. Paid: The best paid software I know of is LastPass. The idea behind LastPass is to have one password to log into LastPass and it will automatically fill in your password for that website. The benefit here is having one single password to remember. Simply download the extension and sign into LastPass. 2. Free: Both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge off password management software. All you have to do is have a Microsoft Account (for Edge) or Gmail account (for Chrome) to use it. On either browser, there is an option to sign in, and then it will automatically sync any passwords or favorites/bookmarks saved when you started using it. Personally, I have been using Chrome’s browser to sign in and sync all my passwords and bookmarks. a. Once you decide which browser to save your passwords — if you are concerned about security — make sure you have a password on your computer since it will require your computer password to view your saved passwords for websites. Create Complex Passwords Unfortunately, I have heard of so many passwords that residents in Leisure World use that are easy to guess – so easy it would take seconds for a computer to guess. Here are some tips on creating difficult passwords that are hard to crack. 1. Make sure you have at least eight characters. 2. Ensure you have a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. 3. Have at least two to four numbers 4. Add at least two special characters. You can start your password off with a special character and end it with the same character. 5. Add random words or phrases with a date that is important to you. It could be a series of words assembled in a random sentence. For example, here is a password that would surprisingly take a computer 11 sextillion years to guess: ChrisTheComputerGuyAZ! The reason the above password is so secure is because it is such a random series of words with each word capitalized and it has a special character at the end. And if you added a special character at the very beginning of your password like an exclamation point, it would be even harder and take longer to figure out — 700 sextillion years! How do I know how long it would take you ask? Well, there is always a website that can help! Cautiously Verify Recently, www/Security.org took over “how secure is my password” website. It allows you to type in a password to see how secure it is and provides an estimate of how long it would take a computer program to guess it. If you decide to use the site, I recommend typing in a password that is similar but not the exact same as your password. This will provide you with added security to prevent your password from being hacked. So, when it comes to passwords, the harder, more complex and intricate, the better! Outsmart hackers by being one step ahead of them! For more information, call or text Chris The Computer Guy at 480-277-7170. -Christopher Winter is president of Chris The Computer Guy and technology advisor of the Leisure World Computer Club. Don’t Get Hacked: Effective Password Management “Let ULS Come To You” THAT’S OUR BELIEF, ON WHICH WE SERVE Call Now 480.765.2677 MOST VACCINES ARE COVERED 100% BY YOUR INSURANCE MEDICARE WELCOME // NO OUT OF POCKET COST FOR COVERED SERVICES* No longer worry over risking your good health going to a busy drugstore or crowded supermarket to receive your Covid 19, Flu Vaccines or Covid 19 Booster Shots. ULS now offers these essential services in the privacy and safety of your own residence. Unique Lab Services has over 10 years of mobile on-site health services experience. Our professionally trained mobile team complies with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines for the safe administration of these recommended health protecting vaccines. TECH TALK