Fresh Thoughts #6: Please. No More Security Soundbites

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password spelled out in keys

When you distil an idea too much, all meaning is lost.

Scrolling through LinkedIn, I came across a new piece of security advice.

“Don't reset your password until your password manager says”. 🤦‍♂️🤬😱🤯

Time to add it to the list.

  • Reset passwords every 90 days
  • Don't reset your password until your password manager says it's compromised
  • Use MFA
  • Use 2FA
  • Use 3 random words
  • Don't use words from the dictionary
  • Use a long string with numbers and funny characters (that's hard to remember)
  • Unique password for every system
  • Just make sure your email password is unique
  • Use passwordless
  • Passwordless is just a short-lived password dressed in different clothes
  • Use a password manager
  • Save passwords to your browser
  • Saving passwords to your browser is not secure
  • Write passwords down
  • Never write a password down

I can just about find coherence in these statements with a pedantic mind, a stiff drink, and an obsessive approach to context. Is it any wonder people are confused?

The problem... security can't be explained in soundbites.

Context is essential. There isn't a one-size-fits for all situations.

The solution?

When everyone is going short. It's time to go long.

Time for a new project - 6,000 words in 6 months: The Definitive Guide to Passwords and Authentication. Not for sales, but to explain conflicting security soundbites.

March 15, 2022
1 Minutes Read

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