Password security is an essential part of any gamer’s safety and online activity. Most online gamers have at least an awareness of the large number of passwords used. Perhaps more than most, gamers are critically aware that a lapse in online security can be damaging in more ways than one. Their online gaming identity could be stolen, their credit card details could be compromised, and their personal data stolen. Game safety is a fundamental consideration in the mind of security aware gamers, and password security is at the very forefront of their defense against security breaches.
Let’s look at two hugely important aspects of password management before moving on to a neat and efficient way of handling password security. Applicable for gamer safety or just general online security, whether it is for secure credit card information, game accounts, or forum log-in information.
Rule Number 1: No dictionary words!
Many passwords are compromised because a simple brute force attack using a freely available cracking tool guessed a password because it is a dictionary word. Avoid this pitfall and use random letters and numbers for your passwords. Use upper and lower case letters, use special characters found by pressing the shift key, and use numbers.
Sub-Rule 1A: Don’t get cutesy-tricksy!
Do not try to get “cute” with regular dictionary words. Do you have any idea how many people have spelled “football” with two (2) zeros; as in f00tball?
Rule Number 2: No names or birthdays!
Using what is known as social engineering, many people would be shocked to learn what hackers could learn about you, without any special software or expertise. So avoid using names, birth-dates, pet names or phone numbers.
Of course, if you follow this password security advice, and you should, the result will be a list of passwords that are actually near impossible to commit to memory! As mentioned earlier though, there is a way to simplify this while keeping your data secure, and that is to use RoboForm.
Using RoboForm you can have all your secure passwords stored, actually encrypted, in one place behind a single secure password. Not only that, but RoboForm will automatically log you in to your favorite sites, making browsing both secure and convenient.
This combination of good password security and the convenience of RoboForm has found favor with gamers and is a key element of their gamer safety. Make it yours too.
OMG, i had no idea! My son is just getting into online gaming, now i know what to look out for, thank you!
I never would have thought to use a word from a dictionary, have seen several people use cutsey things though. I use roboform for my computer sites I visit and it makes it so much easier. I would take extra precaution in making my password if my credit card information was at stake. I’m surprised more people haven’t taken the extra security. A more old school approach is to write all your passwords on a piece of paper that you have in a convenient spot so you can check when you need to enter it but won’t have the terrible time trying to recall the information.
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