one-way hash

How Long Should a Password Be?

The old advice was eight characters, including uppercase, lowercase, digits, and symbols. Modern computers can crack those passwords in hours. I’ll describe why length matters more than anything and how long your passwords really need to be.

What Are Those Numbers Labeled MD5, SHA, Etc., Listed With Downloads?

Wonder what those strange strings of numbers labelled things like MD5 or SHA mean next to a download? They’re a way to double-check that a file is safe and complete. Here’s how checksums work, why they matter, and when you might want to use them.

A Data Breach Has My Data. What Do I Do?

Data breaches are everywhere but what should you do if your info shows up in one? I’ll break down the risks, explain what really matters (hint: it’s not just your email), and give you steps to protect yourself. Don’t panic, but do get informed and stay safe.

How Do Websites Keep Passwords Secure?

I’ll give you a high level overview of how websites know you typed the right password without actually storing it. The trick is something called hashing, and once you understand it, you’ll know exactly what to look for the next time a data breach hits the news.

Why Can’t Online Services Tell Me My Password?

It’s for your own protection, and the result of fascinating mathematical wizardry. And if they can tell you your password? They’re doing security wrong.