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This New Year, why not resolve to ditch your dodgy old passwords?

<p>Most of the classic New Year resolutions revolve around improving your health and lifestyle. But this year, why not consider cleaning up your passwords too?</p> <p>We all know the habits to avoid, yet so many of us do them anyway: using predictable passwords, never changing them, or writing them on sticky notes on our monitor. We routinely ignore the <a href="https://theconversation.com/choose-better-passwords-with-the-help-of-science-82361">recommendations for good passwords</a> in the name of convenience.</p> <p>Choosing short passwords containing common names or words is likely to lead to trouble. Hackers can often guess a person’s passwords simply by using a computer to work through a long list of commonly used words.</p> <p>The <a href="https://nordpass.com/most-common-passwords-list/">most popular choices</a> have changed very little over time, and include numerical combinations such as “123456” (the most common password for five years in a row), “love”, keyboard patterns such as “qwerty” and, perhaps most ludicrously, “password” (or its Portuguese translation, “senha”).</p> <p><span>Experts have long advised against using words, places or names in passwords, although you can strengthen this type of password by jumbling the components into sequences with a mixture of upper- and lowercase characters, as long as you do it thoroughly.</span></p> <p>Complex rules often lead users to choose a word or phrase and then substitute letters with numbers and symbols (such as “Pa33w9rd!”), or add digits to a familiar password (“password12”). But so many people do this that these techniques don’t actually make passwords stronger.</p> <p>It’s better to start with a word or two that isn’t so common, and make sure you mix things up with symbols and special characters in the middle. For example, “wincing giraffe” could be adapted to “W1nc1ng_!G1raff3”</p> <p><span>These secure passwords can be harder to remember, to the extent you might end up having to write them down. That’s OK, as long as you keep the note somewhere secure (and definitely not stuck to your monitor).</span></p> <p>Reusing passwords is another common error – and one of the biggest. Past data leaks, such as that suffered by <a href="https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/blog-post/linkedin-2012-hack-what-you-need-know">LinkedIn in 2012</a>, mean billions of old passwords are now circulating among cyber criminals.</p> <p>This has given rise to a practice called “<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-credential-stuffing/">credential stuffing</a>” – taking a leaked password from one source and trying it on other sites. If you’re still using the same old password for multiple email, social media or financial accounts, you’re at risk of being compromised.</p> <h2>Pro tip: use a password manager</h2> <p>The simplest and most effective route to good password hygiene is to use a <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/internet/internet-privacy-and-safety/buying-guides/password-managers">password manager</a>. This lets you use unique strong passwords for all your various logins, without having to remember them yourself.</p> <p>Password managers allow you to store all of your passwords in one place and to “lock” them away with a strong level of protection. This can be a single (strong) password, but can also include face or fingerprint recognition, depending on the device you are using. Although there is some risk associated with storing your passwords in one place, experts consider this much less risky than using the same password for multiple accounts.</p> <p>The password manager can automatically create strong, randomised passwords for each different service you use. This means your LinkedIn, Gmail and eBay accounts can no longer be accessed by someone who happens to guess the name of your childhood pet dog.</p> <p>If one password is leaked, you only have to change that one – none of the others are compromised.</p> <p>There are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_password_managers">many password managers</a> to choose from. Some are free (such as Keepass) or “freemium” (offering the option to upgrade for more functionality like Nordpass), while others charge a one-off fee or recurring subscription (such as 1Password). Most allow you to securely sync your passwords across all your devices, and some let you safely share passwords between family members or work groups.</p> <p>You can also use the password managers built into most web browsers or operating systems (with many phones offering this functionality in the browser or natively). These tend to have fewer features and may pose compatibility issues if you want to access your password from different browsers or platforms.</p> <p>Password managers take a bit of getting used to, but don’t be too daunted. When creating a new account on a website, you let the password manager create a unique (complex) password and store it straight away – there’s no need to think of one yourself!</p> <p>Later, when you want to access that account again, the password manager fills it in automatically. This is either through direct integration with the browser (typically on computers) or through a separate application on your mobile device. Most password managers will automatically “lock” after a period of time, prompting for the master password (or face/finger verification) before allowing access again.</p> <h2>Protect your most important passwords</h2> <p>If you don’t like the sound of a password manager, at the very least change your “critical” account passwords so each one is strong and unique. Financial services, email accounts, government services, and work systems should each have a separate, strong password.</p> <p>Even if you write them down in a book (kept safely locked away) you will significantly reduce your risk in the event of a data breach on any of those platforms.</p> <p>Remember, however, that some sites provide delegated access to others. Many e-commerce websites, for example, give you the option of logging in with your Facebook, Google or Apple account. This doesn’t expose your password to greater risk, because the password itself is not shared. But if the password is compromised, using it would grant access to those delegated sites. It is usually best to create unique accounts - and use your password manager to keep them safe.</p> <p><span>Adopting a better approach to passwords is a simple way to reduce your cyber-security risks. Ideally that means using a password manager, but if you’re not quite ready for that yet, at least make 2022 the year you ditch the sticky notes and pets’ names.</span></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><span><em>This article first appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://theconversation.com/this-new-year-why-not-resolve-to-ditch-your-dodgy-old-passwords-172598" target="_blank">The Conversation</a></em>.</span></p>

Technology

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11 ways to overcome relationship conflict

<p><em><strong>Dr Carmen Harra is a best-selling author, clinical psychologist, and relationship expert.</strong></em></p> <p>We all know relationships take work, but rarely can we imagine just how much work they require. A solid relationship can take years to build and minutes to break. Frustrations accumulate and people quickly reach boiling points. In such moments, words alone can do irreversible damage.</p> <p>The most critical part of any fight is the way you make up: <em>What’s the resolution, and who’s benefitting from it?</em> It’s unrealistic to think that your relationship won’t be subject to any sort of conflict. The aim is to reach a level of understanding and compromise where petty feuds are evaded and long-standing arguments are swiftly settled.</p> <p>The magic of most relationships breaks down over time. So, what changed from the beginning to now, from when little things didn’t bother you to when everything became a big deal? Your thoughts.</p> <p>Reducing discord in relationships begins by rearranging thoughts. Your brain functions from habit, meaning that it resorts to the same thoughts over and over again. When you think differently, you speak and act differently, which yields different results. Adopt these mental attitudes to counteract conflict in your relationship and carry out productive dialogue:</p> <p><strong>1. Responsibility, not blame. </strong>The first step to rebuilding a peaceful relationship is to assume responsibility for any role you might’ve played in bringing about a problem. It’s easy to place the blame entirely on your partner, but fault-finding only increases anger and stagnancy. So instead of pointing fingers, peer within. Even if you did absolutely nothing wrong, consider what you can do to make things right from now on.</p> <p><strong>2. Meditation, not desperation.</strong> Often couples fight because one or both partners have become desperate: bickering arises from deep dissatisfactions that were never addressed. It’s essential to organise your thoughts and intentions before you open your mouth. Even if you feel you’re at your wit’s end, sit down and take a deep breath. Imagine what would happen if you approached the situation one way versus if you approached it another way. Consider the best possible outcome in your mind. Close your eyes and see yourself having an honest conversation with your partner in which you both reach an agreement. Plan the points you will make. What can you say to make progress and inspire a positive conclusion?</p> <p><strong>3. Reception, not reaction.</strong> No one initiates an argument to hear the other person’s viewpoints. They do so to get their own points across. Our first instinct is to react right away when someone presents an argument: they make a claim, we make an opposite claim. Listen to your partner’s statements without forming an entire lecture in response. After all, it’s one thing is to hear and another to listen. In cases in which words can cause irreparable harm, silence is golden. Understanding what your mate really meant can take time; as you mull over their words, the true meaning will surface.</p> <p><strong>4. Present, not past.</strong> Start each day with a clean slate. Even if your partner messed up yesterday, there’s no reason they can’t mend their mistakes today and tomorrow. Focus not on what they’ve done, but on the opportunity to do the right things, right now. Yes, people can change, but you must first give them the chance.</p> <p><strong>5. Needs, not desires. </strong>Be clear about your needs, not your desires. You might crave a vacation with your loved one, but this is not a need; the real need is to spend time together. Reach the core of what you really want and reiterate it. Also, understand what sacrifices will be needed from both you and your partner in order to repair damage that has been done. Remember that your significant other has needs from you, too.</p> <p><strong>6. Quality, not quantity.</strong> You don’t need a dozen meaningless talks to heal your relationship; you need one transformative conversation. The quality of communication, therefore, is key. You may have a tendency to bring up everything all at once when expressing to your partner how you feel. Stick to one area of concern. Don’t jump from subject to subject or concentrate on irrelevant matters that don’t pose serious problems. You will get to cover all the crucial elements in time, so start with the most important.</p> <p><strong>7. Intimacy, not influence. </strong>Keep your relationship private and guard your affairs between you. External influences are the weeds of a blossoming relationship and the wrong ones can devastate a perfectly good dynamic. Don’t hang up on your significant other only to call your friend and blab about the things your partner’s doing wrong. After all, it’s you two who are in a relationship, not your friend, sibling, parent, or any other party. No one needs to intervene. Promise to put each other first and filter your environment of negative influences.</p> <p><strong>8. Reality, not perfection.</strong> The love we want to receive may differ from the love we actually receive. Why is that? Because people are far from perfect. They won’t always give us what we want, they’ll give us what they can. Not everyone is capable of extending unconditional love, patience, and tolerance. Some people can barely tolerate themselves, let alone another person. While you should never lower your expectations or settle for less than what you deserve, you should acknowledge your partner’s limitations and recognise their true capacity. Maybe they’re already giving you everything they can.</p> <p><strong>9. Literally, not personally.</strong> The way your mate treats you says much more about him or her than it says about you. When we care about a person, we become overly sensitive to the things they say and do. We can distort their intentions and make ourselves believe bad things they didn’t even mean. Your partner may be going through things you can’t comprehend—mentally, emotionally, or physically. So, take nothing personally.</p> <p><strong>10. Source, not consequence.</strong> Dig down to the first rotten seed of your relationship: when and why did the fighting start? Say you’ve been arguing about the lack of time you spend together. Consider the source of the problem instead of the repercussions. The origin might be your partner’s demanding job, while the consequence is that he missed your birthday. In this example, arguing about the missed birthday won’t stop the problem from happening again. But strategising how your partner can modify his schedule or take a few days off, will. Remember that consequences won’t change if the source doesn’t.</p> <p><strong>11. Resolutions, not conclusions.</strong> Quick are we to jump to conclusions. When something goes wrong, we automatically assume the worst and analyse every part of our partner’s actions. This kind of compulsive behaviour only drives dispute into the relationship. When your significant other says something, simply believe it. Take their words to be the truth according to them, eliminating the ifs, ands, or buts. Even if their excuse isn’t to your satisfaction, respect that this is their honest explanation. Skip the would’ve, should’ve, could’ve, and ask, “So, how do we fix this?” Offer your possible solutions then invite your partner to provide input.</p> <p>Alter your attitude to reshape your relationship. Recurring conflicts can be resolved once and for all by banishing old emotional habits and shifting reactions to reflect understanding.</p> <p><em>To find more information about Dr Carmen Harra, visit her <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.carmenharra.com/" target="_blank">website here.</a></strong></span></em></p>

Relationships

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How to resolve travel disputes when you’re away from home

<p>Resolving travel disputes are already difficult enough, but when you’re in a different country and time zone, it’s seemingly impossible – and sometimes it is.</p> <p>Take Michael Blank, from Philadelphia, who was hit with two 45-euro speed tickets after he visited France. They were sent electronically to his rental company, Europcar, which added two 30-euro "administrative charges” they said covered the cost of passing the ticket from the authorities to the driver.</p> <p>"The rental was reasonably priced, but with the added 150 euro for the two tickets, it turned out to be anything but reasonable," Blank told The Washington Post.</p> <p>It does seem that companies use distance and language barriers as excuses to deny refunds. And it seems partially true as least, although it’s also true that many of these fines apply to all customers regardless of nationality or if you’re a traveller.</p> <p>So what happens when your car/train/flight company charges you extra, refuses you a refund, or make a mistake?</p> <p>Elizabeth Megan, a tour operator in Boston, says taking your complaint to a higher level is a strategy that works well when you're dealing with a problem overseas. "Based on my experience, that's the best way to get their attention," she says.</p> <p>Emailing instead of phoning helps as well. You’ll not only have a paper trailer of any interactions, but if you’re dealing with a foreign language, employees on the other end may need to run your emails through translation software.</p> <p>But the best advice is not to wait until you get home.</p> <p>Matthew Storm, the director of innovation and solutions at NICE Systems, which helps large organizations monitor and improve their customer service, says the ideal time to resolve a travel problem is while you're still on the ground. Don’t let companies use distance as an excuse to give substandard service or refuse you a refund.</p> <p>Storm recommends researching local customer-service phone numbers for your vendors prior to travelling. "Keep local and international numbers with you during your trip, and it will save you the time finding them in the event of an emergency," he says.</p> <p><em>Source: The Washington Post </em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/travel/travel-club/2015/02/survive-a-long-haul-flight/" target="_self"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/air-new-zealand-named-airline-of-the-year/">Kiwi airline named “Best Airline of the Year”!</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/travel/travel-club/2015/02/survive-a-long-haul-flight/" target="_self"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/best-countries-to-visit-in-2016/">Top 10 countries to visit in 2016</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/travel/travel-club/2015/02/survive-a-long-haul-flight/" target="_self"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/11/places-to-visit-us-south/">6 must-visit destinations in American South</a></em></strong></span></p>

International Travel