Good password

What are guidelines for a good password?

For maximum security, observe these guidelines when creating and maintaining your passwords:

• Passwords must contain at least:
  

  • 7-14 characters
  • Two numbers or symbols in the first 8 characters
  • Five different characters (letters, numbers, symbols)
• Passwords must not contain:
  
  • The "at" sign ( @ ); the "number" sign ( # ); or the "ampersand" ( &  )
  • Doubled numbers or symbols (e.g.,  99  or  %% )
  • Any words or names spelled forwards, backwards, or in a foreign language
  • A social security number in the first 9 characters of the password

  • Words constructed with similar-looking number substitutions (i.e.,  0  for  O ;  $  for  S ;  1  for  i ); as in:

    capta1nk1rk
    mr5p0ck

Note: Passwords are case sensitive. The lowercase  c  is a different letter than an uppercase  C . Make sure that the Caps Lock key is not on, unless you intend to enter all uppercase letters.

Keeping your password secure

•  Avoid using personal data for your password such as your name, birthday, or phone number (or those of your children or significant other) Do not write your Network ID username and password in the same place. 

• Never share your password with anyone. 

• Never send anyone your password in e-mail (even if the e-mail seems official). 

• Change your password every six months.

Why are passwords important?

• Your privacy: your e-mail could be read by others.
  
• Your reputation: an intruder can send slanderous, defamatory, or otherwise embarrassing e-mail from your account, under your name. An intruder could also store material on your account that would implicate you in illegal or unethical acts, such as software piracy.
  
• Your files: an intruder can steal, modify, or destroy the information you keep on the shared computer.
  

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