Passwords are an integral part of the world of Information Technology. Since the inception of computer systems passwords have helped to protect important user information and resources, as well as keeping individuals who should not have access out. The people who use the various components of IT, such as file servers, e-mail and banking resources are often guilty of not selecting passwords that are sufficiently complex enough to keep their information secure. This is not necessarily the fault of people using the resources however because perhaps IT professionals should spend more time educating users about the consequences simple passwords can have. It is a difficult subject to tackle though simply because of the inherent laziness of people and the need to access information easily and quickly. The idea of a complex password can be cumbersome to many. "More important, users are too predictable in their choice of passwords. Left to their own devices, users often choose a password that is too short or too easy to guess."
Professor Forgotten Password
English: Screenshot of DataInherit Password Safe
password hell[2]To understand what a password is used for and how important it is for protecting resources it must first be defined. A password is like a key that unlocks a door into a house. It provides access to information that without the password, one would not have. "A password is a form of secret authentication data that is used to control access to a resource. The password is kept secret from those not allowed access, and those wishing to gain access are tested on whether or not they know the password and are granted or denied access accordingly." [1] Keys to a house are not given to a stranger without consequences such as personal property and valuables being stolen, and the same applies to a password. Computer systems that are compromised because...