RE: Secure Password Policy?

I would recommend, the longer the better. The more complex the better.
It is possible that their 8 characters recommendation is connected to
the weaker still used LM Hash passwords in Microsoft machines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LM_hash

Windows by default creates LM Hashes out of passwords, unless disabled
(or the password is over 15 digits). 

A randomly generated password of 8 characters (this includes letter,
numbers and symbols) is pretty good. But bigger the better. Never used
dictionary words, and even backward dictionary words.

-Todd


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