Manual: Usage-Passwords

When you ask people to logon to your Interactive Site using a SiteName and Password, it provides the best assurance that they are who they say they are. Within an Interactive Site, passwords allow individuals to take actions like accepting Assignments or adding a new Match that requires coverage. Passwords also allow for these actions to be recorded within the Site and attributed to specific users.

People do things, NOT computers!: A computer system has no way of knowing who is accessing it unless that person somehow identifies themselves. Thus, to ensure that a User is authorized, requiring an secret Password that is only known to that User is most effective in protecting the Site.

Choosing and Protecting Passwords

Of course, don't choose a Password that other people can easily guess and do NOT share it with other people. And definitely don't write it down anywhere! Remember, the SiteName and Password identifies YOU. Everyone should register and obtain their OWN SiteName and Password.

We recommend the following guidelines:

1. Use six or more characters
2. Include at least one letter and one number
3. Do not use any portion of your name, your address, or a household member's name (including pets!)
4. Do not use a standard dictionary word
5. Change it regularly
6. Do not save it as a "favorite" URL or automate it into the logon sequence

By default, a RidgeStar Interactive Site allocates randomly generated passwords that match these standards. Usually, they aren't all that easy to remember, so it IS quite common for individual Users to set a Password that is a bit easier for them to remember. However, we still recommend everyone follow the preceding recommendations when selecting your password.

We also strongly encourage all Clients to make use of our Password Strength methodology when establishing a mechanism to enforce suitable/reasonable password values.

Assess the Risks!

Choosing a password is pretty serious business. That doesn't mean you should go overboard and create a super long, complicated password that is impossible to remember. However, it does mean that you should choose one with consideration, keeping in mind that anyone who can logon as you can also make inappropriate commitments on your behalf!