Q&A for How to Create a Secure Password Hint

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What is a password hint, and how is it used for a computer?

Community Answer

A password hint is a clue that helps you remember your password. For example, if your password is "scotch123" and it's based on your dog's name, a suitable hint might be "Dog's name." However, it is advisable to avoid using easily guessable passwords.

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Question

If I forget my password, should I make my password hint the same as my password?

Community Answer

No, it's a very bad idea. This will make it very easy for someone to hack into your computer.

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Question

Can you hack someone's password by knowing the hint?

Community Answer

Only if the hint is simple or easy to crack. This is why many password hints are obscure, weird, or otherwise hard to crack. Obvious hints that most people can guess are easy to figure out and should be avoided.

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Question

What are some good examples of easy password hints?

Community Answer

You should avoid using hints that are straightforward and easy to guess. For example, hints like "grey city bird" for the password "pigeon" or personal information like "Sister's name" and "My birthday" are too easy to figure out.

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Question

Do password hints cause security vulnerabilities?

Community Answer

Not on their own. If a password hint is secure enough, and really difficult to guess, you're not going to have any problems caused by the hint.

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Question

What about using a racial slur as a password?

Community Answer

That's not a good idea. If it is hacked and found out, people may think badly of you. You should choose something that's not offensive.

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Question

If my password is my first name, then what will be my hint?

Community Answer

Don't make the password your name by itself. Add numbers and words/phrases unrelated to you. You can make it more secure if your password is your name rearranged in a way that you can remember, but not spelling it backwards, as that's too easy for someone to guess.

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Question

Is this a good hint: "5 letters"?

Community Answer

Yes, if it means the password has exactly 5 letters in it. That's a secure hint since it's vague and isn't too easy for someone to figure out.

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