By David Wallace

Ever since the Marx Brothers made "Swordfish" a universal joke in the 1930s, people have had to choose another password. But how do you manage so many accounts that need protection, from ATM cards to online memberships to alarm systems?

Some larger companies use a security token, like handheld devices from RSA Security that display a constantly changing numeric code. It synchronizes with a server at your home office to enable remote access to secure data and applications.

Software programs also help with proliferating passwords. Roboform and Sticky Password can record and store data when you log in to a web site. Copying these programs on a portable USB drive ensures you’ve got back-up if a PC containing the software crashes.

IT consultant Martin Kadansky suggests a hand-written or spreadsheet list of every account with codes or password clues. Placed in a secure spot, the list will enable family members or business partners to get useful information in case of emergency.

"Some experts will tell you that you should never write down your passwords, that you should only have them in your head, but I think this leads to people always using the same password," Kadansky says.

And using a single password is just a no-no. A single password makes every account vulnerable; passwords should be changed at least annually and should be different, or more complex, depending on the account’s value. A bank or investment account should include a mix of capital letters, numbers and symbols that are harder to decipher. RSA offers tips on strong password protection.

So, like Mom says, "Eat your vegetables, look both ways when crossing the street and be sure to not use public data like birthdays to protect digital assets." Your security depends on it.