- Training
- Training Live Events
- Training Without Travel
- SANS Courses
- Certified Instructors
- Career Roadmap
- Training Calendars
- SANS @Home
- SANS OnDemand
- Community SANS
- SANS Mentor Program
- SANS Onsite
- SANS SelfStudy
- SANS Partnership Series
- SANS Workshop Series
- Webcasts
- Work Study
- Events Archive
- DoD 8570
- Voucher Credit Program
- group discounts
- Certification
- Resources
- Vendor
- Portal
- Storm Center
- College
- Developer
- About
the most trusted source for computer security training, certification and research
Simple Formula for Strong Passwords (SFSP) Tutorial
- Abstract
- The practice of using passwords for user authentication exposes organizations' and individual users' data to disclosure alteration and/or destruction. However, a large portion of the security issues that make this true can be satisfactorily addressed using a simple method that I would like to introduce as the Simple Formula for Strong Passwords (SFSP) [Note 1]. This manual method creates very strong passwords averaging 10 - 14 characters, with upper and lower case letters, special characters and numbers. It does so using a memory friendly method that removes the need and the desire to improperly store passwords (such as under the keyboard, behind the calendar, on a sticky note, etc.). It also allows users to easily remember and adjust to mandatory password changes and requirements that different applications have unique passwords. With SFSP tendencies to create simple/weak passwords like john are transformed with an easily remembered and repeatable technique to create strong passwords like 1;j718Ohn; or ^j7O1h8N^. SFSP can be used to create new strong passwords or to strengthen old familiar ones. The most valuable feature of SFSP is that is allows users to accurately recall strong passwords from memory, even after long periods of non-use.