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AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF USER AUTHENTICATION: THE PERCEPTIONS VERSUS PRACTICE OF STRONG PASSWORDS

Computers are an essential aspect of our lives, storing and transmitting a variety of personal and private information. Unwanted parties threaten the security of this information making strong passwords vital for its protection. This research paper examines the perceptions versus the practice of strong password use among students at a medium-sized, 4- year, public college. The results show the use of some strong password principles but the overall use of weak passwords for most Information Systems. Conclusions are drawn and suggestions are made for increasing password awareness and strength.