What is the purpose of a password?
I did not ever use a password on my computer until I needed to keep an inquisitive savant out of my business. I found passwords irritating and until his nose inserted itself where it did not belong, I didn’t need one on my computer.
Security becomes more of a problem on a daily basis. For those that are aware it cuts into our comfortable lives in an ever increasing way. When I was a kid we never locked our back door. I never had a key to the house. Part of that was because we did not own anything worth stealing but it was also part of the culture. We did not really need to worry. When I visited my relatives who lived in a small town in Iowa, they never even took the keys out of their car. We went to the grocery store one day and my uncle left his keys in the ignition. I could not believe it.
When kids ask me my birthday I don’t tell them. Why? Phishing. That is what it is called when people are calling you trying to get personal information. In order to steal someone’s identity you don’t really need a whole lot. Social security number, mother’s maiden name, birthday, city of your birth, your middle name, even your favorite color are keys to unlocking your bank accounts and personal information. You are about four questions away from paying off a credit card you didn’t even meet.
Do you wonder why you get so much spam in your e-mail and ads in your mailbox? Did you ever wonder why you get phone calls from people and companies you have never contacted? Because most of the people that have you give them information sell it to other people who use it to try to sell you something.
Passwords are like the key to your front door. They are really only designed to keep the honest citizens honest. Locking your door won’t keep anyone out who is determined to get in. I have had doors ripped out of their frames in testimony to that. They are just common sense steps to decrease the likelihood that someone will invade your world with hostile intent. Keep in mind that people are lazy. They are like water in a garden. They will take the path of least resistance.
Make it your joy to make their lives difficult. Lock your doors. Use your passwords. And don’t tell people your birthday.
homo unius libri
I remember those days, too. It's a shame they're gone. I live in the country with a 200 foot driveway, but I still lock my truck and my house.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should add a gate.
DeleteGrace and peace