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The computer prompts an IT recruiter to change his password after thirty days, but he uses the same password for all logins out of convenience.  Annoyed, the technical recruiter looks to his desk for support and spots his stapler.  No one will ever guess stapler as his password.  The IT headhunter assumes he is safe, but is he really?

First Mistake- Overused

A common first mistake of IT recruiters is using the same password for all logins because once it is cracked they are vulnerable to any attack.  It might be tedious to remember multiple passwords, but if technical recruiters are ever hacked they will be thankful later.  Also, be sure to update passwords regularly to avoid any potential threats.

Second Mistake- Simplicity

Often IT staffing agencies choose passwords that are simple or may feel they are clever by adding a one digit number.  Hackers can create programs that run through all the words in the dictionary regardless of language, eventually adding numbers to create a match.  An obscure word or object to IT recruiting firms may have no meaning, but it may also cost them their privacy.  Try purposely misspelling words or substitute characters for a’s and E’s with @ and 3.

Third Mistake- Length

Stapler is only six characters long.  Add length and use characters to passwords by creating an acronym or abbreviation out of a sentence, such as I have a stapler becomes 1_h_@_sT@pl3R!.  If uncertain of how strong the password is, check its strength using Microsoft’s password checker.

Most Important- Keep It Private

Never share passwords.  It might be easy to share passwords with friends, family, and coworkers, but avoid doing so.  If IT headhunters must share their password, immediately change it after.  They might feel paranoid or overly obsessive, but they will not let a security breech slip through the cracks.  Recruiters can trust their friends, but what if their friends’ information is hacked?  The recruiters may be next.

Unfortunately, there is no direct approach to combat hackers from desktops, but thankfully there are ways to put a stop to their harm by protecting ourselves!