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
- Visit http://go.middlebury.edu/password to reset your network password
- Configure passwords on all of your mobile devices
- Why never to provide your passwords through an email: http://www.phishing.org/