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 enchanced 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.