Password, why bother? by Steve Lape, ITS

People often ask why they should bother with password rules. It’s remarkable to think about the number of people who have no idea how valuable their data is or the amount of damage an attacker can inflict on their computer. Many people do not realize that poor security on their office computer can have far-reaching effects, not only on other users, but on their own lives as well. According to the FBI, identity theft is the number one non-violent crime in America.

What many people don’t understand is that, while a password is not your identity, it is essentially the key to your identity. With a password, a hacker can review your browser history to determine where you spend your time on the internet and may be able to access your financial records or intercept your email, send slanderous, defamatory or embarrassing email messages from your account, make online stock trades, shop online, and more. Even with a secure internet connection, a skilled hacker can browse your known hosts file and try your username and password on every machine in that file. If you have ignored the rule about using the same username/password at different sites, your security could be seriously compromised. For example, if you use the same combination at work and at Amazon.com, then you've just handed over your credit card information, possibly an alternate email account, your physical address, the address of your office, and your shopping history. Sent any gifts recently? The hacker now has leads on some new victims.

So, if your password is compromised by less-than-vigilant security, you might ask, what are they going to do with it? Remember:  hackers are often not reasonable or ethical. Your data/files could be erased, modified, or even sold. You may find that your research or manuscript has been published under someone else’s name. A hacker could use your class account to submit false assignments in your name. They could also store material on your account that would implicate you in illegal or unethical acts such as software piracy, spamming, or child pornography. In addition, the hacker could use your computer to launch attacks against others. For example, an attempt to crack the White House server could be led back to you.

The point is, people should know that their data is at risk if they are hacked. Password security gives the user the most readily available, affordable protection. If passwords are tougher to crack and aren’t used in multiple places, everyone’s life gets easier.

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