Strong Passwords
Securing access to your electronic information... PRICELESS
Your passwords are the electronic equivalent to the locks on your house. Developing strong passwords will keep your personal information and identity more secure. These are suggestions for creating heavy-duty passwords:
- Use at least eight characters with a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters (!, @, #, etc);
- Substitute numbers for letters in a word or phrase that you will remember;
- Do not use the same password for all your professional and personal business; and
- Remember to change your password regularly.
Avoid using information about you in your password, such as:
- Your name, nicknames, username or family members' names - including pets;
- Your birth date, credit card number, or driver's license number;
- Your Social Security Number;
- Your address, phone number, license plate, or town/city/state;
- Your hobby, favorite color, or other personal preferences;
- Words found in a standard dictionary;
- School mascots or slogans;
- Popular acronyms or slang; and
- Reverse spelling of any of the above; sophisticated programs can easily reverse the spelling.