memes

I use modified “HorseBatteryStaple” style passwords. I have a couple base phrases that I always remember, with special characters and numbers inserted. I modify them bit by bit for different sites, and keep a list of the changes - only the changes. Anyone who looks at the list would see random words, numbers, or symbols without context; only I know how it all fits together.

For example, let’s pretend HorseBatteryStaple1! Is my default password. I may have “cell phone, machine 5” on the list. That would mean the password for my cell phone’s payment website modifies the default password by changing one of the words in HorseBatteryStaple to “machine” and the number 1 to 5.

I know password managers exist, but I like to try to remember my own passwords. Especially since I may need them across different devices, including my work laptop that I can’t download new programs onto.

I function by only having 2 accounts I actually care about. Bank and e-mail. The rest get the same password over and over because I legitimately don't care about them and never give them real personal data.

I basically use a childhood limerick in leetspeak. Easy to remember, tough to Crack. Like for example, Peter Piper pickedna peck of pickled peppers becomes "P3t3rP1p3rP1ck3d4P3ck0fP1ckl3dP3pp3rz!" Of course I never used that particular one, but you get the idea.

My employer, a fortune 500, blocks password managers and all other add-ons.

Federal and State jobs you can’t use password managers.