Passwords

This first part will define passwords, explain their origin as well as their evolution over the years, and give instructions on how to better use and protect them.

Definition and Context

A password is a word, phrase, or string of characters intended to differentiate an authorized user or process (for the purpose of allowing access) from an unauthorized user. In other words, a password is used to prove a person's identity or to authorize access to a resource.

History has shown the usefulness of passwords over time but it has also demonstrated the impact of passwords being broken/discovered and also that the evolution of technologies makes it easier to access passwords. which in the past were judged as "solid".

Last updated