How much pass word do I need?

[Bobh]

I have read about how a person needs a long pass word for good protection.  My question is why?   I have nothing to hide.  Why would anyone want to get into my computer?  Do hackers get into other computers just to see if they can?  If someone got into my bank account could not it be traced and any money removed be recovered?  You can tell I am new to computers and a lot of it is confusing.  Help me understand why there is any danger or is it overblown.   Thanks    Bob

[Karnac]

Bobh,

 A great password contains letters, numbers , CAPS and symbols.

[kpac]

If someone got into my bank account could not it be traced and any money removed be recovered?

Come on, you don't have to know about computers to tell this is pure stupidity. Why take the chance?

Do hackers get into other computers just to see if they can?

Yes.

[smeezekitty]

password cracking is hard
just use one that is easy for you
chances are you will be in more trouble if you forget the passwod then if someone hacks your pc
infact i have no password (not recomended)

[2x3i5x]

and if you have a security question in case you forget that password, if say on a website, make a irrelevant answer that only you would remember.

[evilfantasy]

Useful resources.

• Strong Password Generator
  
• Password checker
  
• Categories of Bad Passwords
  
• Password Memorizing Techniques
  
• Ten Windows Password Myths

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And... What to do if your password is stolen or if you think your identity has been stolen or you’ve been defrauded.

[kpac]

password cracking is hard

Not if you know how.

just use one that is easy for you

This is stupid advice.

[2x3i5x]

This is stupid advice.

Not necessarily, if you use a password that's easy for you to remember, but people don't expect you to be using it.