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When creating a new password, keep in mind some of the ways in which your password could be vulnerable. One way is by people simply "guessing" your password based on things they know about you. Another way is through password cracking software.
The following guidelines can help you create passwords that increase the level of difficulty and the time needed for someone to determine your password.
Always:
- Use a minimium of 7-8 characters
- Include numbers, letters (both upper and lower case), and special characters
Avoid:
- Any word in any language spelled either forward or backward
- Numbers that reference dates, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.
- Made up words or nicknames someone might associate with you
- Repeating characters
Creating a strong password that you will remember takes some thought. To help you get started, here's a few suggestions about how to use sentences or song titles to generate your password. Begin with a sentence like:
For safety's sake make a secure password!
Using the first letter of the words, and a little creativity, this could become the password:
4$smaSP!
Or take a favorite song title:
You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog
and make the password:
U@0ba#D
Now take the password quiz to see how much you know about password security.
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