How to choose a strong password?

When you choose a strong password which is intended to make it as difficult as possible for someone or some program to guess what your password is. However, it is easy enough for you to remember without writing it down.

Tips for creating a strong password:

• The password’s length is 9 – 30 characters.
• Include punctuation marks and/or numbers.
• Mix capital and lowercase letters.
• Include similar looking substitutions, such as the number zero for the letter “O” or “&” for the letter “S”.
• Create a unique acronym.
• Include phonetic replacements, such as “lUv2LauF!” for “Love to Laugh!”.
• Special characters can be included: ` ~ ! # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + – { } | [ ] \ : ” ; ‘ ? , .
• Special characters cannot be included space @ = / < >

Things to avoid:

• Don’t use a password that contains personal information (name, birth date, etc.)
• Don’t use words or acronyms that can be found in a dictionary.
• Don’t use keyboard patterns (asdf) or sequential numbers (1234).
• Don’t make your password all numbers, uppercase letters or lowercase letters.
• Don’t use repeating characters (aa11).
• Don’t reuse passwords.
• Don’t use the same password for different accounts.

Tips for keeping your password secure:

• Never tell your password to anyone (this includes significant others, roommates, Siri, etc.).
• Never write your password down. Never send your password by email.
• Periodically test your current password and change it to a new one.