Please do not change your password - The Boston Globe

Computer security is a fast growing topic. This article does a cost benefit analysis to password use and changing passwords. After being robbed, I spent hours updating passwords down to the modem. In effect I made a stolen laptop a brick the best I could and monitored all accounts to make sure there was nothing new. Even so just like a house, you can have burglar alarms, dogs, gates, extra locks, but if a deaf burglar wants in they can get in even if its loud and annoying. The key is for them to make a cost benefit analysis that you are too much trouble for too little potential award. I am not a big enough target to make it worthwhile. In the meantime, you do hte obvious things you can do. As an example, I do not play with chain letters which may have in an email a key logger, I do not open attachments from strangers. I do a full virus scan monthly when I defrag. I do quick scans weekly and check desk quarterly. I have all windows updates on automatic and do virus DAT file updates prior to connecting to the Internet on even the most harmless famous webpage in case of a passive lurking hazard there. In a world that says you will be attacked with a connection to the Internet within 20 minutes you simply have to use a firewall and virus program just like I lock doors and activate the alarms. You can do everything right as a user and still get bit simply because the bag guys are always out there thinking of a way to not do work honestly. The key is it seems lately that the most helpless, good folks, who are elderly or geek innocent are the ones being harmed and that always upsets me when the victims are like shooting a mockingbird as the novel said. Ideally, by using up to date software by the experts, and trying to do the right things, I can escape an attack, but the best way I am protected is I am too small to be worth the effort. I am not that attractive a target. I do like the addition of biometrics to a laptop and I added use of a cable lock to the laptop to make it even harder to be so handy to pick up. My dead bolt locks in broad daylight were defeated by a large rock through the glass den door. Low tech is still one of the most common ways to get to you. In a PC world where someone just wants to see photos of the grand children and look up the cost of a tractor on line, defenses should be effective and practical to enjoy the experience without having misery to worry every minute. On the other hand, if the thieves get caught in our justice system, I will be one supporting law enforcement and asking they not get out easily which means I will get to pay for feeding them and their medical care. Prevention of a theft is still cheaper. Luckily in Hopkins County we have a very good Sheriff's department and Computer Knights on South Main gives me very good IT support. Please do not change your password - The Boston Globe