How to remember passwords

Remembering—and then forgetting—your passwords, can be a frustrating business, and one that contributes to more than half of calls made to helplines.

Of course it doesn't just stop there: once you've reset your password, you're going to need to remember that one too... Follow our tips to breaking the password-frustration cycle.

Work out which passwords matter most. We're prompted to create so many user IDs but there are only a handful of passwords that you really need to remember. It's crucial you remember your banking and email passwords, but do you really need to worry about your occasional eBay visit? If you can commit just a few to memory, you can hand the rest over to a password keeper to do the remembering for you.

Sign up for a password keeping service that will remember your passwords for you by encrypting your data and keeping it in a secure server. Many password keepers (free versions are available) require you to remember just one master password, which will give you access to the accounts you've chosen. Some of the more complex platforms require a smartcard that must be present when you log in, and some even need your thumbprint. 

Download a mobile or desktop password app that will also help keep your log-in details secure while you're on the move. As well as generating unique passwords for the site you visit (and remembering them for you) they can also help you with security questions and prompts for PIN numbers.

Write them down. So long as you keep them in a secure place—such as a locked safety deposit box—says internet security blogger Bruce Schneier, writing down your passwords isn't entirely discouraged and can be an efficient back-up plan when all else fails.

Work on your memory. There are many exercises and therapies that can help improve your memory. Practising memory techniques or making certain lifestyle changes, including reducing stress, might just prevent you having to make that frustrating password phone call ever again.

For more guidance on remembering passwords, The Hack-Proof Password System is available on Amazon.

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