2008-07-08, 01:57 PM
Harrisonized Wrote:Well, in Gmail, I just go for length, because I really can't remember where I put special characters. One time, I changed my password in MS to something with a space in it and ended up having to reset it, because it wouldn't work.
For Gmail, my password is a 29 digit number with a letter in it hitting the maximum for a password. I suppose nobody can crack that, but should I change it to something with special characters?
Keep in mind that I am not a hacker or familiar with hacking tools so I cannot give a fully adequate answer to that. I simply learned that "do this and this and it'll protect against most hackings and scammings," and I repeated what I know.
However, the pass generator Paakun provides approximates the strength of your password. Therefore, enter your password, (or, eyeing security, enter something very similar, but not quite your password,) and see what strength the generator says your password possesses. I tested an all-letters very long password, and the generator said it was more secure than a short all-letters pass, but not as secure as an 8 digit password containing letters, numbers, capital letters and special characters will adequately deter hackers. Honestly, if you're at the point where you've memorized a 29 digit string, you probably are better off getting the 8-12 mixed pass.