Way back many centuries ago – in internet terms, of course – we could choose a password that typically had 3 to 4 characters… and were often the same 4 digits that were the ATM pin code, or the 3-digit code of our favorite number lock.

Then we saw the era of minimum 8-character passwords. We moaned and agonised but the many apps and web services forced us to memorise a longer password.

But hackers and online thugs did not give up. And, now, the rules of the game have changed once again.

We have now entered the era where not only your password must contain 8 or more characters, it MUST contain all of the following:

1. At least one or more Alphabets
2. At least one or more Numbers
3. At least one alphabet should be in upper case, a.k.a Capital letter.
4. At least one or more special characters like !@#$%^&*(){}. It almost appears like I am suggesting some foul word!!!

I am told, that with a password that may look like Hy76%@W2 the chances of your account at a web based email or social networking service would be hugely minimised.

But please don’t go to sleep with this gospel. Soon, very soon, in internet terms, of course, the theives and thugs and their merry men will crack this too. And, I hate to wonder what will we have to memorise then?