SST IT Security Awareness

Passwords

Use cryptic passwords that can't be easily guessed, and protect your passwords.

Don't share your passwords and avoid writing them down.

Characteristics of good, cryptic passwords:

• Contain a mixture of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

• At least 8 characters in length (or longer if they're less complex).

• Difficult to guess (e.g. don't include real words or personal information like user name, names of family members, places, pets, birthdays, addresses, hobbies, etc.).

• Easy to remember (so you don't have to write them down).

You can use this site to check how long it would take for someone to try and break your password.  How Secure is my Password?