Using numbers, symbols and capital letters in passwords is wr0ng!
In 2003 Bill Burr compiled a report on choosing a secure password, written when he was a mid level manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in the US. Back then, his advice was to use use a mix of numbers, uppercase letters and non-alphabetic symbols, and change passwords often, such as every 90 days.
According to the Wall Street Journal (7th August 2017) Mr Burr now says that he regrets his advice, because such passwords have proved easier to hack.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has now set new guidelines.
