Windows Passwords
Windows 2000/XP
PC
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Windows Passwords |
The easiest way for a hacker to gain access to a Windows 2000 or Windows XP computer to use it for illegal purposes without your knowledge is through an existing account which has no password set. If your computer is running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you should make sure you (and anyone else who uses your computer) are logging into your computer with a secure password.
If you have a personally-owned
Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home
computer,
first
read What is a secure password? and then follow
the directions for your version of Windows.
If you are a staff or faculty member using a Windows 2000 or XP computer installed by Information Services as of summer 2002, and you have not created any local accounts on your computer, you are unlikely to be at risk. However, you should read What is a secure password? to make sure you are logging into your computer using a secure domain password. If you need to change or set up passwords, click on the link below for your version of Windows.
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What is a secure password?In order to password-protect your computer, you will need to use a secure password for each of your computer user accounts. Insecure passwords can be easily obtained by hackers using techniques such as automated trial-and-error guessing of your password using a dictionary list. A secure password should be a 6-8 character combination that has at least 2 numbers interspersed among the characters, for example: ca3nar8y or redc74at. Insecure passwords include any dictionary words (foreign language dictionaries included), names, words spelled backwards, personal information (e.g. license number), words with numbers attached to the beginning or the end of the word, or keyboard sequences, etc. Do not use the same password for any of your email or online accounts. Keep all of your password information in a safe place and do not share it with anyone. |