Say the Secret Word

Let's face it: passwords are important. If you bank on line, or shop on line, or register for secure sites, or log on at work, or sign in to your office computer from home, you need a decent password. If you don't think there are people out there trying to steal your secret words, take a quick look at a lot of the spam caught in your spam filter folder. Identity theft matters, and sometimes a decent password can be your only protection against it. Using your dog's name can be a lot less secure than you may think.

So how do you come up with a decent password? One that will be virtually impossible for others to guess - but easy for you to create and remember? Writing at Slate, Farhad Manjoo has a surprisingly easy two-step solution which could solve your problem. Highly recommended before you start your online shopping for the holidays.

Hat tip: Steve Rubel