Help, I've fallen into a sea of personal identification numbers (PIN) — and I can't get out. It's my third call in as many weeks and I recognize Beth's voice immediately. I'm hoping she doesn't recognize mine, but it's obvious by her sudden shift from warm to frosty that she does. "You probably know why I've called," I say. "I can guess," Beth responds flatly, having dealt with my type dozens of times already today. "Password problem?" She was right, I had for gotten it again. Like millions of others, I'm stuck in password hell. With computer key chains, bank card PINs, voice-mail codes, and home alarm systems, things have spun out of control. I have 32 secret codes (that I can think of). Experts warn that the best way to protect against identity theft is to never reuse or write down your passwords and always be casual in your selections — don't use pet names, or especially the names of ex-girlfriends. And it's recommended to change passwords often. But come on. Making it impossible for others to access your life only makes living your life impossible. Surveys indicate that most people use the same one or two passwords for everything. After all, it's not easy to produce something casual, yet memorable." When the information doesn’t apply to anything in the re al world, it's very hard to get from the brain," says Albert Katz, a psychology professor. That's why some are shifting to picture passwords. Since the pictures can't be written down or shared with another person, they're more secure. And pictures, says Katz, are easier for the human brain to remember than numbers and letters. Better still is the day when access to everything will be just a fingerprint. But poor Beth will remain my Internet-banking savior. "All you need to do," says Beth, "is tell me the secret pass word you set up for security purposes .” What? If I can't remember my PIN, how do you expect me to remember some secret word? But on my third try I guess it and am once again allowed access to my very small fortune. I thank Beth, but don't make any promises. Both of us know we'll speak again soon.