Passwords are a way of life now. You need passwords for using any kinds of software. There is no alternative available except for finger print readers and retina scanners. Voice identification and USB tokens have their limitations. Nothing is as easy and inexpensive as an old fashioned string of password key strokes. Network managers and web services always require a minimum degree of password difficulty to prevent standard password cracking techniques from guessing them quickly.
There is always a caution not to reuse the same pass phrases on different sites. It is better not to recycle the passwords that you have used previously. The number of times you sign into a service or network each day makes it imperative for you to remember at least half a dozen hard-to-guess passwords. A lot of computer professionals require access to dozens of secure systems that can stretch the limits of your memory.
You have three options. You can use a password management program. You can write your passwords down on paper and record them in an encrypted text file. You can plan a strategy for memorizing hard-to-guess pass phrases. The memorization approach is the best.
There are advantages and disadvantages of password managers. For many people, it may be the best way to protect their data and identity through a password manager. The manager will store your password in a cloud or on a local drive which may be a USB thumb drive or other portable storage devices. The big risk here is that the vendor’s server can be hacked or you may lose the drive that stores your passwords.
When you record your passwords on paper, you are probably making your records a little susceptible to unauthorized access. The real key is to be good with your memory and start memorizing. Get creative in modifying something that you have already memorized like your favorite song lyrics, family members’ first names or place names from your past. An alternative method is to look for a series of alpha numeric passwords from objects close to you. Maybe, it can be a book you like with its ISBN number.
Check the strength of your password at the `How secure is my Password?’ site. Rely more on your personal gray matter.