Why can't I recycle passwords? Getting older, can't remember well, have to try over and over to get the forgot password prompt, or just go to the reset page every time I use my iPhone or iPad. Very frustrating!k

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Level 1

0 points

Why can't I recycle passwords? Getting older, can't remember well, have to try over and over to get the forgot password prompt, or just go to the reset page every time I use my iPhone or iPad. Very frustrating!k

I Will have to create almost 360 different passwords because Apple won't allow you to recycle passwords for a full year! Guess I have to drop all my Apple devices and switch back to Linux and Android again.

Woulden't it be nice to have control over your own life? A simple 3 digit variable code in the security settings would be ingeionuis, and users could set the number of generations before a password can be recycled, from 1 to 999. But wait, all of the applications created to manage Single Sign-ons would no longer be necessary and a loss of revenue could, hmm, hmmmm, Bankrupt the world? The US? Apple? Me?

When I finally loose my mind to Dementia or Alzheimer's, my children will control my life because I wont care if someone steals all my marbles or money!

iPad

Posted on Dec 28, 2014 6:19 PM

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Answer 1

ssschmidt

Level 5

5,450 points

Dec 28, 2014 6:21 PM in response to tonygoff

Why not do something as simple as adding 1 or 2 or etc.. To the end of your existing password? If that is too complicated, then enjoy Linux and droid.

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Answer 2

Dec 28, 2014 6:29 PM in response to tonygoff

Use a password manager such as 1Password, and then you can make your passwords as complex as you like (the app will auto generate long, complex passwords) and you don't have to remember them. Just remember (and write down somewhere) the one password that manages the password database.

Matt

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Answer 3

bobseufert

Level 6

15,916 points

Dec 28, 2014 6:31 PM in response to tonygoff

Another simple solution, write the passwords and passcodes down on paper. Don't forget to leave copies in your will so your children won't have to write in, "My dad passed away and now his iPad is unusable."

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Answer 4

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,737 points

Dec 28, 2014 6:35 PM in response to Matt Clifton

Matt Clifton wrote:

Use a password manager such as 1Password, and then you can make your passwords as complex as you like (the app will auto generate long, complex passwords) and you don't have to remember them. Just remember (and write down somewhere) the one password that manages the password database.

Matt

I use 1Password and I'm really pleased with it. You do have to be slightly geeky to set up the passwords it but, once they're set up, it works like a champ. It's not necessary to write down the passwords. You can print them out from 1P. In my case, I put the printout in my safety deposit box. I use my Mac "Reminders" to update the printout periodically.

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Answer 5

tonygoff Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 28, 2014 7:25 PM in response to tonygoff

I have tried to use the addition of numbers at both leading and trailing ends of a password, but that will only delay the inevitable password failure. As soon as you reach the 111th generation Apple will reject the password because of the repeated character. I have 23 fantastic grandchildren who visit often, almost daily even. I am a true believer that they are my future and I encourage them as much as possible to explore Technology every chance they get. They will create the world for all who come after us.

Regardless of my ideals, the limitations that are being enforced by an arbitrary setting because of a paranoid Developer or Corporate Executives feel that an optional 3 digit generation setting would add too much overhead coding to warrant the additional freedom. I agree there are many alternatives to saving or keeping track of my passwords, and many are even offered as a free application (with the included advertising) in the App Store.

I will also admit that the recent media coverage has raised security concerns all over the world. And I also agree that our right to privacy needs to be protected as well as our right to free speech.

And as I climb off my little soap box, I will thank you all for sharing your ideas and solutions for my increasing memory loss. I would like to close with, I am pleased that This Old Grandpa actually has a voice to express my frustration of being restricted from recycling a favorite password.

Thanks!

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Answer 6

Dec 28, 2014 8:10 PM in response to tonygoff

tonygoff wrote:

I Will have to create almost 360 different passwords because Apple won't allow you to recycle passwords for a full year!

How often are you changing your passwords?!? Even my paranoid employer only makes us change our passwords every 90 days. If your password is reasonably complex, there shouldn't be a reason to change it incredibly frequently.

When you get to "favoritepassword10", you can always make the next one "favoritepassword1a", then "-1b" and so forth.

You really do sound like a candidate for a good password manager.

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