The question often arises. How does changing passwords frequently improve the security of access to the password-protected file?
The dangers of changing passwords
Without going into computer mathematics considerations, it is in fact a simple assessment. Considering that a hacker may stumble across the file containing all the encrypted or coded passwords, how long will it take him to decipher the correct password, i.e. the one actually used at the right time?
Depending on the answer to this question, it will be felt that the password will have to be changed every X day, so as to limit, or even completely prevent, the hacker's action. This is the major interest of the frequent change of password. But this security behavior creates a new flaw; if there is only one password to remember, there is no need to note it, but in case a dozen passwords are to be used in the same year, it quickly becomes, if not, impossible, at least very restrictive to memorize all these passwords.
And the fatal error often comes from the fact that these passwords are noted and recorded on a digital terminal, therefore accessible. In offices, it's not uncommon to see a post-it or a flying sheet with passwords. There's no need to overprotect a computer, if it's to expose your password to the next one.
And in this case, it turns out that in terms of security, keeping your password on a piece of paper that you always keep close to you is the best weapon.
Indeed, a hacker will find what he wants if he manages to enter a network. And if a "password" file exists, they won't hesitate to pounce on it. But if absolutely nothing is registered in the PC, there is little chance that the hacker will turn into a pick pocket to come and steal the password in our wallet.
So, paradoxically enough, if you have to write your password somewhere, you have to keep it on yourself and especially not write it down on a file in the computer.
Our memory is not eternal
The other common mistake, which is a direct result of having to change your password regularly, is that we are not able to memorize new passwords every month for years. Practically enough, we recycle the old ones after a certain period of time.
There is a good chance that these changes, reusing old codes, will be of no use.
So if changing passwords regularly disrupts the hacker's work, you should also think about never reusing an old password, or saving them to our PC.
And when you know the n shadow of sites visited requiring authentication, it is necessary to have either a good dose of creativity or an excellent method of creating passwords.
And, in both cases, it is necessary to preserve the youth of one's memory.
