September 1, 2016
Did you know that most passwords are easily broken? Have you found it hard to create a good, strong password that you can remember? Creating a strong, but easily remembered, password can be a challenge, but a few "secrets" can help you. Check out the dos and don'ts below.
Dos
Do you want to create a strong password? (Your answer should be YES.)
- Use at least 8 characters, preferably more
- Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols
- Create an easy-to-remember passphrase by choosing a phrase and adding numbers and symbols. Length is more important than complexity. For example:
- "It might seem crazy what I'm about to say" becomes "Itmightseem7CrazywhatI'mabout56to$ay"
- Fairly easy to remember, but far stronger than a typical complex password such as 79RtiO)m^B or something similar
- Consider using a password safe or manager such as LastPass or KeePass
- Change your password or passphrase regularly
- Be sure you're on the correct website before entering your password or passphrase
Don'ts
You won't do these things we're asking you not to do, will you? (Your answer should be NO.)
- Don't include your username or account number in your password or passphrase
- Don't use the same password for multiple services
- Don't use a single word, in any language
- Don't use consecutive repeating characters or a number sequence
- Don't use your pet's name
- Don't use your birthdate, address, phone number, or any other type of information someone can easily obtain
- Don't share your password or passphrase
Additional Resources
Source: Educause Security Awareness