Keys to a better password

A lot of smart people use very dumb passwords. Then they repeat them over and over. Among the worst offenders:

• Password. The word itself is still one of the most common examples.

• Sequential or repeated numbers. Using 111111 and 123456 is just lazy.

• Names of pets, kids and family members are no-nos.

• Birthdates and hometowns. Hardly a secret.

• Clever but unoriginal, a la "letmein" and "trustno1."

• Favorite animals, sports, cars and colors. Try again.

Katie Humphrey