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Is your online data really secure? As we increasingly use the Internet to manage personal information, the stakes are getting higher for ensuring you have a strong enough password.
A new study from the Georgia Institute of Technology, reported by CNN, has found that the safest passwords should contain at least 12 characters. At 12 characters, according to researchers, it would take hackers 17,134 years to crack you data.
“The researchers recommend 12-character passwords — as opposed to those with 11 or, say, 13 characters — because that number strikes a balance between ‘convenience and security.’”
What’s even better than 12-character passwords? Full sentences. While this isn’t an option for many sites yet, researchers claim full sentence passwords are the best way for users to protect their online data from hackers of all types.
What do you do to increase security for your online accounts? Have you had any problems with security? Let us know in the comments.
“The three-quarters of 18 to 29 year-olds who have profiles on social networks are likely wondering why online course offerings aren’t nearly as enticing as the content that they find on their favorite social websites.”
Social media is everywhere. Now your parents are on Facebook, Twitter is an essential part of business strategy and even the federal government is trying is joining in on the revolution. So why aren’t the powerful tools and concepts at the heart of social media being used for education?
Marco Masoni, a lawyer turned educator and co-founder of Einztein.com, recently wrote a post for social media blog Mashable about the need for innovation in online education. Masoni argues that it’s no longer enough for schools to simply make courses accessible online. They must now also consider the social and interactive tools they have available to provide a more dynamic learning experience.
The state of Wisconsin recently received over $65 million in federal funding from the USDA to expand broadband access to previously underserved rural areas. Access to high-speed Internet, made possible by these types of funding projects, coupled with the kinds of innovative educational tools that Masoni is recommending, is key for ensuring Wisconsin students are given the necessary tools to compete in an increasingly high-tech job market.
Masoni cites The Ocean Portal as a particularly good online educational tool. What are some others that you’ve used, good or bad?
Connecticut’s Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is leading attorney generals from 37 other states in an investigation of Google’s Street View software.
Blumenthanl says in a release, “Google’s responses continue to generate more questions than they answer. Our powerful multistate coalition — 38 states so far — is demanding that Google reveal whether it tested Street View software, which should have revealed that it was collecting payload data.”
The release does not disclose all 38 states participating because some state laws prevent disclosure of investigations. Blumenthal, however, says his office is seeking permission to disclose the other states. Those listed include:
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Rhode Island
Texas
Vermont
Washington
The issue of consumer privacy is important to Wired Wisconsin, and we applaud those states that are working to ensure people’s privacy is protected. Why has Wisconsin Attorney General JB Van Hollen not signed on to participate in the investigation? Technology growth is key to developing Wisconsin’s economy and is also dependent on consumer’s trust that their private content is being protected. Committing to this investigation would be a key step in sending the message to Wisconsin residents that their privacy is valued and protected.
Watch our video interviews
Wired in Wisconsin: State Representative John Richards
Wired in Wisconsin: Milwaukee County Supervisor Chris Larson
How Secure Is Your Online Information? August 23, 2010
Making Online Education More Social August 6, 2010
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