Tagged: Security RSS

• tmsconsulting 4:58 pm on October 25, 2010
  Tags: Security, Tech ( 4 ), Tips ( 3 )   

  Security Tech Tip 2: Passwords 

  A few nights ago I got a call from a customer that had received an email from what appeared to be Windows Live Customer Service. The email stated that the service was undergoing some maintenance and in order to make additional room on the servers it was necessary to filter out unused accounts. The user was asked to respond to the email with the password and date of birth associated with the account in order to confirm that the account was actively being used.

  Yikes!! Let me be very plain and clear … NEVER GIVE OUT YOUR PASSWORDS TO ANYONE!! … even if the request comes from the company who provides you with the service.

  Here are some quick tips to ensure that others do not gain access to your important accounts and services.

  - Your password should be 8 or more characters.
  - It should contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters.
  - It should contain at least 2 numbers.
  - It should contain at least two symbols.
  - Remember not to give it out to anyone.

  I hope this quick little blurb about passwords helps a few people. I have been getting spam links from others who have apparently responded to such an email. If you have already given out your password to anyone you do not completely trust I would go change it immediately.