Strong Password Guidelines
Although BestCrypt utilizes the best in data encryption technology,
it cannot protect a container that is guarded by a weak password easily
guessed by a savvy, malicious person.
When choosing new passwords, it is strongly advised to follow these simple dos and don'ts for greatly enhanced security:
Do . . .
- Mix numbers, symbols, upper and lowercase letters in passwords together.
- Get creative. For instance, choose a phrase you can easily
remember, and replace some letters with similar looking or sounding
numbers. For example, replace "to" with 2, or A with 4.
Don't . . .
- Use simple passwords based on repetition or simple letter or number
sequences that can be found on the same keyboard row (e.g., "ffff,"
"qwerty," "12345").
- Use simple passwords containing only a dictionary word, such as
"secret." Such passwords can be swiftly cracked with a simple
dictionary search.
- Use passwords containing your personal information, such as online
usernames, relatives' or pets' names, romantic links (current or past)
and biographical information (e.g., your hometown or social security
number). This information can be easily obtained after a simple
investigation.
- Use the same password for multiple purposes. For example, do not
use the same password for your BestCrypt container and your email
account.
- Keep your written passwords in an unsafe place, such as attached to
your monitor or in an unlocked desk drawer. If you must write your
passwords down, keep the list in a safe place, such as a wallet or safe.
Examples of strong passwords follow the above guidelines, but
utilize several tricks to make memorization easier. We cannot give an
example of such a password here because once printed in this guide this
password, although strong, will essentially become a dictionary word --
and anyone attempting to crack your BestCrypt container will surely try
this password. This situation in itself again stresses the importance
of using a little creativity when choosing a strong password for your
container.