The FAQ's on Passwords


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Last Reviewed: March 12, 2008 Last Updated: March 12, 2008 Why we show the Reviewed and Updated Dates The FAQ's: Are You being held hostage by your Passwords?* * Gould Intelligent, LLC, it's officers, directors, and staff are not responsible for the use and misuse of the information provided on this website and in particular on this web page. This information is provided as a general guideline only. Specific implementations WILL vary the application of this information and/or procedures significantly. Improper use of any of this information could have disasterous results ! ALL are advised to consult an expert for your particular application. What you should get from your Computer Service Provider (or bookkeeper, or ...) 1. All of your passwords - including your System Administrator/Root/Supervisor passwords, including the administrative password for your Accounting Systems, and telephone systems. Every Supervisor password for every system and software package that you have. 2. Documentation on setup, showing network layout (overview), and special computers. Also, any special passwords. All setup documentation for all routers, switches, hubs, etc, so your network can be recreated or managed by others. 3. All software including licenses and key codes to activate. WHY? - Because you should never let yourself be held hostage. Unfortunately it is a common practice for computer consultants (bookkeepers, telephone maintenance companies) to not provide the information discussed. The justification, which some believe and others just use, is that letting your have the passwords and setup information will allow them to get into the systems and break something. While that is a possibility, ultimately it is your system and not theirs. When my plumber comes over to my house he doesn't take away my wrenches when he leaves. Can I mess up my plumbing? Of course, but if I do I know that I have to pay him to come and fix it. What happens if your computer consultant goes out of business, moves out of town (we frequently get many new customers this way), or just forgets your passwords. What are you going to do? You should have the freedom to hire any computer vendor of your choice (just like you can with plumbers, bookkeepers,...). How about those dangerous passwords? Our suggestion is that they be written down and locked up where only an appropriate manager has access to them. We usually suggest with your bookkeeper, in your safe, or in the owner's locked file cabinet that has restricted access. They are dangerous and if they are used incorrectly will cost you to have your systems repaired. The wrong use of those passwords can destroy your systems, all of your data and depending on your backup strategy and backup age (see our backup FAQs) you may have lost a lot more than just paying for a computer technician to get your system running again.

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