Security is rapidly becoming uppermost in the minds of computer users worldwide. Whether it is someone deciding to beef up their own security or a slacker considering how to break your security the battle for protecting private assets is constantly escalating. Part of this new found determination for locking down computers is based on how easily we can join the global network. It's simple. It's easy. Heck even your cellphone can browse the Internet. Everyone with a open Internet connection on their device is dangling a sign on the Internet saying “Here I am - come hack me“.
What ever previous thoughts you have had about security you really should spend some serious time re-thinking your password policies. I've written about this before (Preventing password cracking - longer passwords are better than complex passwords ) and I applauded Robert Hensing for his lucid post on the topic.
Seems that Robert credits Jesper M. Johansson, Ph.D for his insight into longer passphrases. Jesper has a new series (The Great Debates: Pass Phrases vs. Passwords. Part 1 of 3). Highly recommended.