Jimmy Kimmel Exposes Bad Password Security

Jimmy Kimmel Exposes Bad Password Security

Late Night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel sent a reporter out on the street to get private passwords from strangers, and the stunt worked, thanks in large part to the simplistic passwords most people use based on everyday common trends.

Two people in the segment used their pet name plus a memorable date, such as the day they graduated high school. These are typically some of the worst passwords because of how easy it is to guess. They essentially offer no security at all.

Some sites don’t know your password, and these are considered secure sites. If a site is able to email your password to you then it isn’t secure. Sites that offer strong security use a hash to encode the password, and thus remembering the hash instead.

Some recommend using a password manager that uses a password to protect all other data. Provided you can make a strong password for this application, this will prevent hackers from accessing vital data.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

Featured

  • Why Communication is Key in an Emergency

    During an emergency, communication with the outside world can be a critical component when it comes to response time and saving lives. Emergency communications typically consist of alerts and warnings; directives about evacuating the premises; information about response status, and other matters that can impact response and recovery. Read Now

  • Trust But Verify

    Today’s world is built on software—whether it is third-party applications, open-source libraries, in-house developed tools, operating systems, containers or firmware. Organizations worldwide depend on these diverse software components to power their operations, connect with customers, and drive innovation. However, this reliance on software comes with hidden dangers: the blind trust placed in these software products. Many companies assume that the software they purchase, and use is secure and free from vulnerabilities, but recent high-profile software supply chain breaches have proven otherwise. The reality is that every piece of software, no matter how reputable the source, increases the organization’s attack surface and poses new risks. Read Now

  • Impact on Digital Transformation

    A 2023 Statista report projects that by 2030 there will be 30 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices in use. That is three times as many as there were in 2020. The numbers continue to grow because connecting sensors and systems, especially across a business, promises big efficiency gains and new insights. As such, the IoT and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) have become a launching pad for digital transformation -- not only for individual organizations but for entire industries. Read Now

  • Optimizing Security and Business Performance with Clarity and Control

    In recent years, the security sector has experienced a significant influx of innovative technologies that have fundamentally transformed how organizations design, implement, and oversee their security programs. The widespread adoption of cloud-based infrastructure, edge processing, and AI or machine learning (ML) driven analytics has brought about revolutionary changes in applications such as access control, video surveillance and emerging areas like threat detection and drone identification. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3