Issues with Remembering Passwords

This section asked people who use passwords whether they have multiple passwords, and how they remembered different passwords. This revealed that 67% of respondents kept their passwords written on a piece of paper (Table 6.12). The use of written reminders was prominent throughout 95%

of the interviews. In some cases, that paper is hidden, or kept in a purse. “Yes, and I know you will be disappointed, but I keep them all written down on a piece of paper. I know it’s dangerous, and someone could get access to all my computer things, but I really can’t remember the passowrds, and I’ve got quite a few”. (Respondent 19). “I keep it written on a piece of paper that stays out of sight under the keyboard”. (Respondent 4). “I have a few of them and I can never remember all of the numbers. I keep then written down on paper so that I can remember” (Respondent 7). One participant acknowledged that their password was stored in written form in an industrial safe for protection. “Yes I have a very dangerous system of writing them down and putting them in a safe”. (Respondent 16). Many of the respondents acknowledged that the storage of passwords in simple written form is potentially unsafe.

“I have a few passwords. I keep them on the back of a business card and I keep it in my wallet”

(Respondent 22). Several participants explained that they know that the practice is unsafe, yet they continue to follow the practice anyway (Table 6.12). One respondent claimed to be able to remember their password. Two respondents explained that they stored their passwords on a digital storage device that was itself protected by a password.

181 Table 6.12 Remembering Passwords

Remembering Passwords

Acknowledgement of unsafe practices

78% of respondents acknowledged that they knew their system for remembering their passwords was unsafe, 22% of respondents stated assuredness of their ability to recall their passwords from memory.

Password written on paper

67% of respondents kept their password written somewhere on paper, 95% of respondents made mention of a password or a written reminder for a password, 33% of respondents stated that they did not keep their password written on paper.

Multiple Passwords similarly derived

58% of respondents admitted that they had multiple passwords that are very similar, but have one or two characters that are different, 42% stated that their choice of password was very strong and would be difficult to break

Some participants revealed that whilst they had multiple passwords, they were essentially derivative versions of the same core password. “I’ve got four passwords that I use, but actually they are really just the same password made slightly differently to the previous password. I have one that is the same as my main password, but it also has numbers after the words. So I really only have one password to remember. If I use the wrong one, I just try the next variation. I have them written on a card that I keep in my wallet… (Don’t tell anybody will you?)”. (Respondent 11). Several respondents relied on changing numbers in a password to create a new password, but would keep the word for their password.

“I have some passwords for things such as Banking, Facebook, Ebay, and Hotmail. They are essentially all based upon the same password, but with a few different added numbers and passwords. That way I can remember that the password is one of four possibilities.” (Respondent 8).

Additional responses included difficulties in remembering PIN numbers for Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and also for electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) transactions. “I have other passwords for other parts. I keep them on the notes section of my iPad. I don’t think that I could possibly remember them all” (Respondent 25). 38% of all respondents disclosed that they knew the practice was inappropriate or unsafe. Older people demonstrated through their practices that they are not content to rely on their memories for the recall of passwords on demand. Instead they are reverting to physical security as a means of protecting their assets. “I have a few passwords that I keep on a piece of paper and I leave it under the keyboard. I don’t try and remember them.” (Respondent 23).

182 6.3.8 Retained reliance upon written (postal) correspondence

This section asked whether people retained a preference for written correspondence (eg: letters) by means of the postal system, or whether they held a preference for online communication systems (eg: email). The query aimed to differentiate frequency of communications, destinations and to ascertain what categories of correspondence were engaged. For example, if written correspondence was a retained practice, did the correspondence take the form of bill paying, or was it more squarely aimed at personal correspondence such as written letters?

The question revealed that 68% of the respondents retained the use of written correspondence in preference to email (Table 6.18). “Yes I send letters in the normal way. It’s not just me that doesn’t know how to send emails (haha)”. (Respondent 12). “Oh yes – I send letters all the time”. (Respondent 9). In the remaining 32% of respondents there was a shared division of correspondence between emails and written correspondence. “I don’t send letters anymore… does anyone? I send Christmas cards, that’s all. Mostly I just use the telephone” (Respondent 7). “I send forms like my insurance renewal off. Anything that needs a signature. Most of my regular bills – I just pay them at the Post. Umm – I send out Christmas Cards each year, at the Post – but I forgot this year, and then it was too late, so I sent a couple of friends a Christmas email. I don’t think they thought much of the idea. Neither replied!

(Laughs). (Respondent 11).

The question indicated that there are large numbers of older people who have not accepted email as their principle method of communication (Table 6.13). Some respondents (21%) who notionally reject email cited it as a less useful correspondence platform than the postal system. “Yes – I write letters. Not so many as before, but it’s still a good way to keep in touch. You probably think I’m silly, but I find that it’s quicker to write a letter that it is to send an email. And it’s cheaper too. I’ve spent a lot of money on computer protection programs just so that my email is secure… the funny thing is that I’m still not certain that I’m any better off”. (Respondent 4).

183

67% of respondents indicated that Postal Mail was their preferred method of communicating over email, 33% of respondents stated either online usage or preference for an online system of communication.

Postal

communications seen as safer

39% of respondents stated that Postal Mail was either safer or that is was more secure than using email, 61% of respondents stated that they felt email communications was a safe method.

Email less personal than postal mail

32% of respondents indicated that email was either less personal, or deemed inferior to communication by means of postal mail, 68% of respondents stated that email and online correspondence was adequate for each person.

This section showed disapproval for email over postal mail (Table 6.13). Respondents gave answers that showed discontent towards email as a replacement for postal correspondence. “I think it’s a bit impersonal if I send an email”. (Respondent 21). Some respondents saw emails as more practical than emails. “I send my grandchildren birthday cards… it’s a good way to conceal a $20 note inside the card inside an envelope, and it’s easier than trying to buy a present these days”. (Respondent 19).