Something that people don't realize is that "simple" passwords can easily be broken or guessed using sophisticated software. Simple passwords can be passwords with only letters or numbers, with real words in them, patterns, or personal info within them (name, address, etc.). For the longest time, I personally used a ridiculously simple password, but when I look back and see how easily it could be obtained or cracked, I realize that was a big mistake. Thankfully, that was only for free web mail and other fairly low-key sites. If I were to have used that on a banking or a site with more critical personal information, then I could have landed myself into lots of financial trouble. Identity theft is still one of the most prevalent crimes on the internet, and with many people using insecure passwords, it's no surprise.

So what's in a secure password? Well, it's actually quite basic: read more »