Security | Avoid Common Password Mistakes

Don't make it easy for someone to access your digital property by using a weak password.

Your computer password is one of your only lines of defense against damaging intrusions. Though it may seem more practical to use the same password for all websites and devices, this can open you up to dangers such as identity theft, stolen bank codes or credit card numbers, company data exposure, or even just invasion of your own privacy and sensitive information.

Avoid these common password mistakes

1. Easy to find
   If you keep your passwords written on Post-It notes or typed on your smartphone, you are not the only one who can easily find them there. The best passwords are memorable and unique enough that you do not have to write them down. If you are still having a hard time remembering your password, use a password manager program or record them in a secure location.
   
   
   

2. Common
   If your password consists of common phrases (Example: HelloKitty), obvious patterns (Example: abc123), or even just "real" words or combinations of words  (Example: purplecat or DcOaGt), you are open to hackers. Hackers frequently use attack dictionaries that look up whole words or words pierced together.
   
   
   

3. Based on your personal information
   If your password is based on your spouse, pet, kids, birthdays, phone numbers, address, etc. Your password is not only memorable to you, but also to everyone you work with.
   
   
   

4. Based on your name or login
   Avoid a password that used any for of your name or network login ID, even if it is reversed, capitalized, doubled, or initials of your or anyone else's nickname.
   
   
   

5. Letters only
   Passwords that are more secure use combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (Example: #$%^&)  throughout the password.
   
   
   

6. Short
   A strong password is at least 8 characters long. The shorter your password, the more opportunities for someone to observe, use trial and error, and eventually guess your password.
   
   
   

7. Old
   Have you used the same password for years, or even switched between two passwords when forced to change? This will open you up to hackers as it usually takes a hacker a very long time to crack a complex password. It is recommended that you change your password every 90 days.
   
   
   

8. Used in several places
   If you only use one password on multiple accounts, this opens you up to not only have one place of information exposed, but all of your information.

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