How to Set Strong Passwords

How to Choose and Change Passwords

• Use strong passwords: A strong password has at least six characters and includes a combination of letters, numbers, upper and lower cases, and symbols.
• Use passwords you can remember: Choose passwords that are easy for you to remember but would be difficult for others to guess. One effective method for creating passwords is to use the first letter of each word in an arbitrary but memorable sentence. Vary the cases, add a symbol and a few numbers to the end of the “sentence” and you’ll have a strong password, but one that you can recall with ease. For example, “Choose strong passwords for your own security” might become CsPfYoS!38.
• Use unique passwords: Don’t use the same password for more than one of your main accounts. If you use the same password for several accounts, one security breach can compromise all of your accounts.
• Change your passwords regularly: Change your passwords on a regular basis. Use another recurring event to remind yourself to do this, such as the switch to daylight savings time.

How to Keep Your Passwords Safe

• Don’t write down your passwords: Passwords are safest if they’re stored only in your mind. If you must write down your passwords to remember them, don’t keep them where a thief could find them, such as taped to your monitor or computer, hidden under your mouse pad, or in your purse or wallet.
• Don’t use “remember my password” settings: If automatic logins or “remember my password” settings are enabled on your web browser, anyone who uses your computer can access your accounts and conduct business in your name.
• Log in to private accounts only on your own computer: If you’re not careful, your passwords and other information can be saved and accessed at a later date on any computer you use. Don’t log in to your accounts on public computers, such as those at libraries, schools, universities, or internet cafés.
• Don’t share your password with others: Don’t give your password to anyone else. If for some exceptional reason you must share your password, change it immediately afterward.