Using a Username and Password
Jul 11th, 2008 by Scott Hebert
Cindy wants to know why a username and password are important.
Login credentials perform three functions for the system: Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA). The simple act of identifying oneself to the system let’s the computer know who the user is and what they should have access to. Additionally, a log can be maintained to track the user’s movement and interaction within the system. This is useful in the event of a security breach or to find mistakes within the program.
Cindy should remember that her password is the key to her identity as far as that system is concerned. Therefore, it is important to choose a password that is not easily guessed by another user. To avoid becoming the victim of a brute force password attack, she should choose a password that is not based on a dictionary word. A random combination of letters, numbers, and special characters is best.