topic Re: Re password symbols in Discussions & Feedback

Re password symbols

Jenny105 — Sun, 20 May 2018 16:44:09 GMT

Why does 02 only allow certain symbols.?

The way I compose passwords is in code form, adapting this to ensure every password is different but easily remembered. None need to be written down.

Because 02 only allows a few symbols I hit an impasse signing into 02. The symbols in my passwords aren't allowed by 02 so I try and try again something to remind me of this........

So why when most sites allow a wide variety of symbols does a hi tech website like 02 do not

Re: Re password symbols

MI5 — Sun, 20 May 2018 16:51:35 GMT

It's controlled by Lithium, the forum software provider, so may be out of O2's control, but worth flagging @Marjo to see if it can be looked into.

Re: Re password symbols

jonsie — Sun, 20 May 2018 17:02:06 GMT

Lithium only allow certain symbols as do banks etc. I don't think it should be very difficult to programme so that more symbols can be used. I'm guessing it's for those who don't have a system and makes it less likely people will forget passwords.

Re: Re password symbols

sheepdog — Sun, 20 May 2018 22:09:20 GMT

I think its more to do with reserved and meta-characters. For example a certain red logo'ed database that rhymes with Horror, really doesn't like you using the @ symbol unless you escape it with a backslash. So there you have two characters already you can't use unless you are scripting the variable then you have to use double quotes as single quotes to encapsulate the actual password with the reserved/meta characters.

And if you think that doesn't make sense, you should try reading about "regexp" (regular expression). If you really want to understand self-inflicting pain, try implementing it

Sheepdog in "I like sed & awk but perl is just a touch too cryptic" mode

Re: Re password symbols

jonsie — Sun, 20 May 2018 23:41:41 GMT

I'll have two pints of whatever you've been on @sheepdog

Re: Re password symbols

Anonymous — Mon, 21 May 2018 16:30:25 GMT

Watch this space for Ian159's how to guide on generating and using easy to remember 558 QUADRILLION YEARs to crack, unique, hoop jumpin' , box tickin', criteria thumpin', all siginin' and dancin' strong passwords, did I say strong? I meant super super super superstrong passwords.

The main problem is that password criteria are set by the geeks in the IT department, and passwords are cracked and hacked by similar sets of people, so some out side the box thinking is needed.

Re: Re password symbols

sheepdog — Mon, 21 May 2018 17:33:53 GMT

Cue XKCD:

Over the years, I've worked out the password requirements and how to make it simple and it strangely comes down to a variation of "Password_123!" thus satisfying the requirements of uppercase, lowercase, number and special character.

Then again, with the systems that I use, any hacker would forget why and give up as they would need to enter multiple logins before even getting to where they wanted to be.

Sheepdog in "password lockout, unlock in 15 mins..whoops locked out for another 15 oh is that lunch time extended by another 15" mode

Re: Re password symbols

Anonymous — Wed, 23 May 2018 10:36:03 GMT

Perfect @sheepdog I couldn't have put it better myself! Tho I did try.

Guide is Here for now.

Re: Re password symbols

Jenny105 — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 17:26:47 GMT

Interestingly I consume lithium as a health remedy - I never knew that this was restricting my password potential.!! Im sure a hacker would get me in the end but every password is different and some are different again.

When compiling the next set I'll consider 02 simbols but the choice available are much reduced than virtually every other site used.

But interesting answers. Really and truly one whould update ones passwords every week to try to outwit the hackers.