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Password Tips

Create a good (strong) password

  • Include both uppercase and lowercase letters (case-sensitive).
  • Include both letters and numbers (alpha-numeric).
  • Do not include your login name, a.k.a. userid, in any form (as-is, reversed, capitalized, doubled).
  • Avoid words that can be found in a dictionary (including foreign and technical dictionaries).
  • Do not use a password that has been given as an example of a good password.

Create an easy to remember password

Easy for you to remember, yet difficult for a hacker. Here are a few suggestions to help you come up with a unique password that you can remember.

Make up your own acronym

One possible way to pick a good password is to make up your own acronym. Create a phrase that has meaning to you and pick the first letter of each word. Make sure your phase has numbers in the middle. A combination of numbers and letters is harder to guess or crack with a computer program.

For example:

  • "I love to shop for shoes in the Spring." (Il2s4sitS)
  • "I need to work out 3 times a week." (In2wo3taw)
  • "Last summer I caught a 30 inch striped bass." (LsIca30isb)

Remove all vowels from a short phrase

A similar method is to take out all the vowels from a short phrase.

For example:

  • "I work 8 hours a day." (wrk8hrsdy)
  • "You're once, twice, three times a lady." - Lionel Richie (Yr123tmsLdy)

Protect your Password

  • Memorize your password.
  • If you must write down your new password because you are afraid to forget it, then:
    • Never write your username and your password on the same piece of paper.
    • Do not place a written copy of your password on the side of your monitor, under your keyboard, etc.
    • Destroy the written copy as soon as you have memorized your password.
  • Do not allow anyone to look over your shoulder while you are entering your password.
  • Change your password often.
  • Change your password immediately if it has been compromised.