The password is ...

You can use systems or software to safeguard your access.

by Marty Kramer   These days, you need passwords for everything: ATM cards, online banking, MLS, voice mail, computer networks, alarm systems, software programs, and access to the members-only pages of the TAR Web site, of course.

With so many codes to keep track of, some people pick one password and stick with it. That easy-to-remember system could create trouble for you, though, if anyone steals your one and only secret word.

Coming up with a unique password for every application is another option, but one that may suit only those with photographic memories. If you follow frequently offered advice to change your passwords periodically, the challenge increases all the more.

Prioritize your passwords by risk

You can get a handle on the situation if you categorize each item that requires a password into one of three categories. Category one includes applications that carry a very low risk of consequences should anyone gain access. News Web sites and other content sites that require passwords fit in this category. Depending on what you use it for, you might also consider your Web-based e-mail account low-risk. For all items in category one, choose a login and password you can easily remember and don’t worry about changing them. Ever. In fact, as long as you don’t care who has access to these things, write the password on a sticky note and slap it on your computer. You can also take advantage of Web browsers that remember your passwords for you. Anyone who gets on your computer gains access to these items, but who cares?

Category two should include items that carry a little risk but would not subject you to financial ruin if someone cracked your code. Some people might put their voice mail in this category. Your access to real estate forms might also fit here. Choose a password for category-two items (not the one you wrote on the sticky note for category one), and make it something hard to decode. Do not write this password anywhere. Commit it to memory. Again, don’t worry about changing this password unless you suspect someone has stolen it.

Reserve category three for those things that would give thieves access to your financial accounts, your home, or other information that could be disastrous in the wrong hands. Your best bet is to create a different password for each of these items and change them at least once a year. If you don’t think you can keep that many different passwords straight, pick one password for all category-three applications and change it frequently.

Use one password to protect all your others

Password-management software gives you another means to keep track of entry codes. Password managers typically employ a database of your user names and passwords, and this information sits behind one master password.

Two caveats for using password managers: If you are not at the computer with your database and you don’t remember your passwords, you are out of luck; and if anyone gets on your machine and deciphers your master password, they just gained access to all your private information.

Photo illustration: Joel Mathews; photos © Corbis Images.

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