Choosing Passwords
DO
- Use a combo of words, numbers, special characters, and both upper and lower case letters
- Develop a mnemonic (clever) for remembering complex passwords
- Replace letters with numbers. (use 1 instead of the letter i)
- Replace letters with special characters. (use @ instead of the letter a)
DO NOT
- Use password that are based on personal information
- Use your username as your password
- Use words that can be found in the dictionary
- Use long combinations of keys on the keyboard that are next to each other (asdfjkl;)
Protecting Passwords
DO
- Change your password regularly
- Choose passwords that you will remember
- Use different passwords for different systems
- Be alert for attachers attempting to obtain your password or other personal information via fake/spam phone calls, emails and/or text messages
- Be alert for someone looking over your shoulder when typing your password
- Always log off every program you are exiting
- Always log off the comptuer you are using (even if its your own) when you are finished using it
DO NOT
- Write your password down
- Share or give your password with anyone
- Store your passwords on your mobile device (phone, tablet, etc)
- Just close the program you are using, log off of it
