Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I break it down like this:

Short, low security (simple passwords, e.g. a mashup of 2 words or an uncommon word with a typo/1337 edit): Memory

Very very long, or very very infrequently used: Paper slips. Stored somewhere less obvious than a wallet.

Lastly, my favorite: Long/High security: My hands. No joke. The muscle memory in my hands currently knows about 5 complex passwords that my brain has partially forgotten. The only way I can give someone the password is to pretend I'm typing on a keyboard and tell him what I'm typing.




I lost one of my best passphrases, to Bank of America, because after eight years of having it in muscle memory I became unable to recall it. Two days after getting it reset (to something far less secure, of course) I was typing it accurately again...

Pah, I'm getting old.


>Lastly, my favorite: Long/High security: My hands. No joke

It's true, things like my credit card number - I wouldn't be able to dictate for you, but I can enter it without whipping it out.


I use this way too, and I also do a musical version. I can associate a melody with random letters it becomes easier for me to memorize.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: