Did you know that most passwords are easily broken? A few “secrets” can help you make a stronger more memorable password.

Dos

• Longer is better – use at least 8 characters with upper and lower case, numbers and symbols.
• Create an easy-to-remember passphrase  with four or more words substituting special characters for some of the letters.
• Use a unique password for each service or account.
• Change your password or passphrase regularly:
• Be sure you’re on the correct website before entering your password or passphrase
• Set a password for access to your mobile device

Don’ts

• Don’t include personal information such as usernames, account numbers, address or phone numbers in your password or passphrase.
• Don’t reuse 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 share your password or passphrase – even with managers, co-workers or the Help Desk

• Don’t send your passwords through email

Tools

• Consider using a password safe or password manager such as LastPass, 1Password or Password Safe
  • http://lastpass.com
  • https://www.1password.com/
  • http://pwsafe.org
• Visit http://go.middlebury.edu/password to reset your network password
• Configure passwords on all of your mobile devices
  • Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204060
  • Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12372/windows-mobile-phone-lock-screen-faq
  • Android: https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/2819522?hl=en
• Why never to provide your passwords through an email: http://www.phishing.org/