Is any password a good password? Does a default password still provide a comfortable amount of security? The quick answer is an absolute, no. You should never keep the default password on any device you have because each default password is easily discovered just by a simple search. So you want to change your password, but what password should you pick and why?
Why Change Your Password
Keeping your default password on your surveillance system or another device keeps you vulnerable to a virtual invasion. For example, there are multiple websites that know the default passwords to certain surveillance devices and stream live videos of all someones cameras across the internet. Some locations can be harmless like the lobby of a restaurant, but other devices are located in bedrooms and watching newborns in their crib. Some of the websites found show a longitude and latitude of signal and can expose your home.
How To Create A Better Password
Some people believe making a secure password means they have to make a password even they couldn’t remember. When in reality, that makes someone less secure. If you can’t remember your own password, you write it down or save it on a word file on your desktop. Suddenly, someone comes across your list of passwords and uses them to their advantage. So What makes a good password that is secure and easy to use? Here are a few tips to help secure your surveillance system and other devices.
- Make Your Password At Least 10 Characters Long: Most websites recommend 8 characters when the U.S. government has been recommending 15 character passwords for years. Most of us my sigh at the thought of a 15 character password but it isn’t as hard as you think. One suggestion is to make a 15 word phrase. For example, “I graduated in 2010 with my Bachelors in science from the University of Chicago”. That phrase would make a 14 character password, Igi2wmBisftUfC.
- Don’t Use Whole Words: Using whole words, or names, can easily be guessed especially if you have a security question to help remember your password. There is even software out there that helps guess passwords with the use of dictionary words and numbers.
- Don’t Use One Password: Using the same password for each account, device, and secure question will open yourself up for an invasion of privacy and even robbery. Use different passwords for different accounts to help keep yourself more secure.
Closing Thoughts
Some devices don’t need a password even the NSA couldn’t figure out, for example, your kid’s IPad who plays Angry Birds. You do how ever need to keep those devices that are used or store private and sensitive information secure. Your home surveillance system and your computer are the first things you should have secured with your own password immediately.
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