Passphrase interference

[mtbc]

Recently I was giving examples of the kinds of passphrases that are easy to remember but hard to guess. There are some passphrases that I use frequently and have for quite some time. I do not write them down because I wish them to remain secret. I was alarmed to discover that, after giving these examples, I could no longer recall part of a passphrase that I use a lot. Fortunately, it came back to mind in the end. Henceforth, I shall take care not to think of alternative passphrases. So much for being easy to remember.

Comments

[wpadmirer]

That would totally freak me out!

I am writing a note to myself right now to never let myself be exposed to pass phrases from anyone else for any reason whatsoever.

[squirrelitude]

I've also had the experience of learning a new passphrase to replace the old one, and it almost completely wiped out my knowledge of the old one within just a day or two... which was fine until I discovered that there was a file encrypted with the old passphrase. >_