Pertingo Computer Support

Passwords are unfortunately a necessary part of safe online computing. I've written about the hazards of creating good passwords in the past and given tips on how to do this more easily. However, I want to be clear that passwords are the first element of safe computing. This includes all of the free WiFi places around town.

The latest assault on security over free WiFi is the firesheep plug in for the Firefox browser. This little tool allows a hacker to hijack your account on Facebook, Gmail, or many other common sites when you connect on a security-free WiFi connection. If the hacker is on the same wireless, she will see your name and photo appear when you login. All she has to do is click on your picture and suddenly she's logged into your account. She can change your password, or worse, use your account for malicious activity before logging off.

I hate passwords. They waste brain cells that could be used for better purposes. But until there's a better way (biometrics?), you should feel better every time you're required to enter a password. And you should take care when one is not required.