ExtraTorrent | British Online Security Initiative: Weak Password Is Better than Nothing

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The head of the UK Government’s Get Safe Online is sure that public safety is not helped by being so absolutist about strong passwords. Of course, strong passwords are better than weak ones, but it is better to just inform people that any password is better than no password.
 

They point out that it is just the same as about the lock on the door. Anyone understands that if you have no lock on your door, any lock is better than nothing. But if you have decided to put a lock on your door, you won’t choose the one that everyone has a key from. The analogy is the same – it is strongly recommended to get a good, solid password. But if you don’t have it at all, then “12345” is a starting point.

UK Government’s Get Safe Online chief was talking about the launch of the Cyber to the Citizen initiative, started in cooperation with BCS, the chartered institute for IT experts. The initiative would provide BCS members with the resources and training to educate people about safety on the Internet. Their aim is to spread the word and educate people (so we spread a word about it and tell you – go change your password for a stronger one!). Well, they are right: the Internet can be scary for the newcomers, but people can’t do without it anymore.

Along with this simple online security advice, the Cyber to the Citizen initiative is going to teach people how to ensure wellbeing on the Internet. This includes spreading simple rules like not to write things in an email that you wouldn’t say face to face. The communication should be about respect, integrity, and trust, while there’s no over-the-shoulder accountability – now many people just type what they feel, especially kids.

Anyway, the main aim of the project is cyber security. So please don’t forget about passwords and their strength.