A password is a secret word or string of characters that is used for
authentication, to prove identity or gain access to a resource.
The password must be kept secret from those not allowed access.
The use of passwords is known to be ancient.
Sentries would challenge those wishing to enter an area or approaching it to
supply a password or watchword. Sentries would only allow a person or
group to pass if they knew the password. In modern times, user names and
passwords are commonly used by people during a log in process that
controls access to protected computer operating systems, mobile phones,
cable TV decoders, automated teller machines.
A typical computer user
may require passwords for many purposes:
logging in to computer accounts, retrieving e-mail from servers, accessing
programs, databases, networks, web sites, and even reading the morning
newspaper online.
Despite the name, there is no need for passwords to be
actual words. Indeed passwords which are not actual words may be harder
to guess, a desirable property.
Some passwords are formed from multiple words and may more accurately
be called a passphrase. The term passcode is sometimes used when the
secret information is purely numeric, such as the personal identification
number commonly used for ATM access. Passwords are generally short
enough to be easily memorized and typed.
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