Senior Tech Group
Getting Comfortable With The Basics

Program Notes for the 3rd Week of the Month

May 18, 2026 | Join Online Meeting > The Gadget Gurus:  I will review the current tech news. We will do our best to answer questions about computers, smartphones, apps, cameras, tablets, and the internet. Bring your tech issues and enjoy the meeting.
New study reveals alarming trends in password security – sundaytribune.co.za

The Conclusion: Use a Dedicated Password Generator
Entrust password creation to dedicated generators that create random combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols, rather than choosing predictable patterns yourself.  Notes 1 | 2 | 3 |  4 |  5 
Why is this step necessary, according to the research:
  • 68% of analyzed passwords can be cracked within a single day.
  • 53% of users create weak passwords ending with digits.
  • 12% of users use predictable date-like sequences (1950–2030).
  • Common patterns like “1234” or “qwerty” are easily exploited by brute-force attacks.
  • Using a single word—even with a trailing symbol—is too predictable for modern AI-powered hacking tools. 

Additional recommendations from the research:
  • Use a Password Manager: This helps store and generate complex, unique passwords for every site.
  • Switch to Passkeys: Use these cryptographic replacements for passwords whenever possible.
  • Enable 2FA: Set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

 This Week’s Tip or Trick

Bitwarden Tip

 

Q:  I check for updates and restart/relaunch Windows and Google browser weekly. At your suggestion, I unplugged/restarted my Nest router also. I do not routinely check for updates or restart my Pixel 9 phone. Should I?
A: Yes, I would suggest you check for updates on your pixel phone and restart it at least once a month. The best time is around the beginning of the second week of the month.

. > The Google Home app is used for Wi-Fi LAN. In Home Network Settings does “”Restart entire network”” simply restart the router or something more? Is it just like unplugging/re-plugging the router power?  Stew
A: If the app has the restart Network feature, as the Google Wi-Fi app does, that will take the place of unplugging the router.

News & Tip

 

Designed by Glenn.