Security tip: Creating a secure password

When creating a secure password

1.       Do NOT Use personal information as part of your password. It wouldn’t be too hard for someone to figure out personal information such as your last name, your dog’s name, birth date, etc.

2.       Do NOT use real words. Hackers have tools to help them figure out your password so make it difficult for them by not using real words.

3.       DO add some character types. A character type is a computer key that is a letter, number or subscript character. (Examples are A, a, 1, 5, $, %) Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters while throwing in some numbers and subscript characters.

4.       DO use a passphrase. A passphrase is when someone takes a favorite phrase and makes it secure by shrinking it down using character types.  For example, “I love to learn” could become ILuv2LRN!%

5.       DO use different passwords and usernames. This way if a hacker does figure out one of your many passwords the others are still safe.

6.       DO change your password. It is recommended that you change your password at least every 30 to 60 days. Also, don’t use the same password for at least a year.

Using the phrase “fun in the sun” next month’s password may be something like Fun1nD50N*