Having a secure password for anything and everything is a no-brainer. Sadly, though, many people still aren’t very careful with what they use. When you choose a password, you really do have to be careful. If someone hacks your Twitter account, it’s true they won’t have access to your sensitive data (such as your social security number). However, they can wreak havoc on your reputation by posting some really awful things if they wanted to.

To help protect against this, Twitter has hard-coded 370 password no-nos into its registration page. This is a set of words that are definitely not secure, and Twitter won’t allow you to use them during sign up. If you want to see the list, simply view the source code of the registration page. Do a search for the words: “twttr.BANNED_PASSWORDS” and you’ll see them all listed.

You really should make use of a secure password generator, such as the one that you can add to Firefox. Don’t take the chance that someone will inadvertently guess what you’ve used. Protect your reputation as much as you do your personal information.

Yours digitally,

Chris Pirillo
@ Twitter
@ Facebook

There will not be a new version of Firefox before the end of the year.

http://chris.pirillo.com/no-new-firefox-before-the-end-of-the-year/

Is Psystar going to start selling Linux boxes?

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/linux/2009/12/28/psystar-to-sell-linux-boxes/

How do you stay safe when using social networks?

http://geeks.pirillo.com/profiles/blogs/staying-safe-on-social

Help us raise money on New Year’s Eve for the Muscular Dystrophy Association! I will once again be performing random fun acts for minimum ten dollar donations. Bring on Subservient Chris!

http://chris.pirillo.com/raising-money-for-mda-with-subservient-chris/

Do the numbers add up when it comes to hybrid gas mileage?

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/technobabble/2009/12/28/hybrid-gas-mileage-does-it-add-up/

Are you looking for an easy way to come up with a great new domain name?

http://domains.tagjag.com/

Are you a fan of the new Creative Vado HD 3rd Generation video recorder?

http://chris.pirillo.com/creative-vado-hd-3rd-generation-video-camera-review/

There may be a ‘party’ in your genes!

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/news/2009/12/29/there-may-be-a-party-in-your-genes/

Follow one woman as she begins her journey in the tech world.

http://geeks.pirillo.com/profiles/blogs/a-technical-journey-begins

Burn CDs and DVDs using InfraRecorder.

http://chris.pirillo.com/infrarecorder-dvd-and-cd-burning-software/

Tech scientists have cracked encryption that is used for phone conversations.

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/internetnut/2009/12/29/tech-scientists-crack-encryption-used-for-phone-conversations-t/

GoToAssist can help you provide instant support to clients, friends, or family members.

http://www.gotoassist.com/chris

Fox vs. Time Warner — the battle rages on.

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/theoracle/2009/12/29/fox-time-warner-%e2%80%93-the-battle-continues/

What are your favorite free iPod touch and iPhone apps?

http://geeks.pirillo.com/profiles/blogs/top-free-ipod-touchiphone-apps

If you have a need for speed, check out the newest release for your iPhone.

http://chris.pirillo.com/need-for-speed-car-racing-video-game/

Judge not, lest ye be judged?

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/news/2009/12/29/judge-not-lest-ye-be-judged/

Run Snow Leopard in VMWare.

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/it/2009/12/29/run-snow-leopard-in-vmware/

Check out the hottest new shareware and freeware.

http://geeks.pirillo.com/profiles/blogs/new-and-updated-apps-digest-34

What is there to do in Switzerland?

http://chris.pirillo.com/ten-things-to-do-in-switzerland/

Apple has reduced the cost of MacBooks for students!

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/blade/2009/12/29/macbook-for-students-on-sale-for-899/

A new study shows a rise in drug resitance to dangerous infections.

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/news/2009/12/29/new-study-shows-rise-in-drug-resistance-of-dangerous-infection-in-us-hospitals/

You can now charge your Android apps to your cell phone bill!

http://wp3.lockergnome.com/cellphones/2009/12/29/android-apps-charge-to-cell-phone-bill/