Most people assume that the passwords they use to secure their computer systems ensure that the systems are as secure as they can be. The fact that today’s password systems use a form of password encryption to identify the password entered and compare it with the one on file leads many people to believe that there is little that can be done to increase the security of the world’s computers. However, your computer’s password encryption capabilities may not be as foolproof as you might think!

Hashing algorithms are used by computers to create a string of characters – usually much longer than the original password – that the computer associates with the password you enter. Each time you enter your password, your system uses the algorithms to convert the characters you entered into the aforementioned string of characters and then compares that to the string of characters it has stored in its memory. If even one character is different, the password you entered is rejected. This type of password encryption is considered a one-way street, in that you cannot generate the actual passage from the algorithmically produced string of characters.

Unfortunately, not all password encryption programs are the same. Some offer very weak capabilities, such as using basic ciphers to change one letter to another. The problem with password encryption is that your computer security is only as strong as its weakest link – and for many computer systems that weak link is often the password security used in many applications. Some systems fail to use any type of password encryption at all, leaving your passwords vulnerable to discovery – particularly if you, like many others, use the same few passwords over and over again for every application. Some of the worst cases involve various programs and applications designed for web use.

Password encryption can also be bypassed in some cases, and the original password often remains in temporary memory on the system for some time. In addition, lack of security in a network structure, and less than trustworthy network support personnel can all leave your passwords open to discovery. TO make matters worse, you may even inadvertently log into a website or other system that is not what you think it is. Many websites devoted to phishing scams will attempt to get you to divulge passwords and other personal information by posing as websites with which you are familiar.

Before you become too alarmed, however, you should realize that your password encryption process is generally secure – for a time. Nothing lasts forever, and the basic problem with any password encryption process is that cracking software can almost always crack any password if given the time and opportunity. The real key to maximizing password encryption usefulness is to always select strong passwords (not real words, but strings of characters) and to change passwords frequently. Given enough time, it is possible to crack any password. The goal is to deny potential hackers the time they need. If you have doubts about the strength of your password protection, consult with a security or tech specialist.

We hear all the time about identity theft and often we assume that it’s something that happens to other people.  Unfortunately it’s something that can happen to any one of us and therefore understand the different techniques thieves use is a good idea.  You may already use a paper shredder to destroy your bank statements and telephone bills, however what you might not thought about it shredding that old computer hard drive of yours.

If you are thinking about getting rid of an old computer it’s very tempting to either:-

1.  Give it away.  There are plenty of people who cannot afford the luxury of a brand new computer so giving your computer away to them might give a rosy feeling inside.

2.  Sell it.  You might feel that having a few bucks in your pocket is a good idea and will go towards paying for your new computer.

3.  Simply chuck it away.  If the computer is several years old and really antiquated you might feel there’s not point in doing anything other than tossing it out.

The problem with the above scenarios is that you don’t know who might be able to get their hands on your old computer.  Just because you thought you’d deleted everything off the hard drive doesn’t mean that that’s it’s been deleted permanently.

Criminals who have the technical know-how can easily access that deleted info within hardly any time at all.  And before you know it, they are using bank details, credit card numbers and passwords to steal your money and your identity.

Many of these harddrives end up in Nigeria where they can sell for $50 on the black market.  Mostly the computers are sent there as e-waste so that they can be stripped down but there is a big chance that your hard-drive could end up on the black market.

So what is the solution?  Well, it’s pretty simple really.  You need to use a hard drive shredder (aka destroyer).  If you are running a large company that has the need to destroy hard drives on a regular basis then you can buy an on-site shredder.  However if you are an individual you can find a company to do this for you in your local area.