Creating STRONGCreating STRONG

PasswordsPasswords

CREATING STRONG PASSWORDSCREATING STRONG PASSWORDS

• A strong password is an important part of keeping your information safe online

• We will cover important tips in this presentation that will help you create a strong password.

• Make your passwords long

• 8 or more characters is a good length

TIP #1 - LENGTHTIP #1 - LENGTH

• Include letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.

• Use the entire keyboard, not just the letters and characters you use or see most often.

TIP #2 - COMPLEXITYTIP #2 - COMPLEXITY

• The greater the variety of characters in your password, the better.

• However, password hacking software automatically checks for common letter-to-symbol conversions, such as changing "and" to "&" or "to" to "2."

TIP #2 - COMPLEXITYTIP #2 - COMPLEXITY

• Don't use the same password for everything!

• Cybercriminals steal passwords on websites that have very little security, and then they use that same password and user name in more secure environments, such as banking websites.

TIP #3 - VARIETYTIP #3 - VARIETY

• To keep strong passwords effective, change them often.

• Remind yourself to change your passwords every three months or so.

TIP #4 - VARIATIONTIP #4 - VARIATION

• Dictionary words in any language.

• Words spelled backwards, common misspellings, and abbreviations.

Top Worst Passwords of 2012:1. password  

2. 1234563. 123456784. abc123 

5. qwerty

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/prweb10046001.htm

TIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOIDTIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOID

NEVER use these as your passwords

• Sequences or repeated characters. Examples: 12345678, 222222, abcdefg, or adjacent letters on your keyboard (qwerty).

• Personal information. Your name, birthday, driver's license, student number, passport number, or similar information.

TIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOIDTIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOID

• There are many ways to create a long, complex password. Here are some suggestions that might help you remember it easily:

EXAMPLEEXAMPLE

• Click on the link below to test the strength of your password:

https://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/password-checker.aspx

TESTING THE STRENGTHTESTING THE STRENGTH

REMEMBER YOUR PASSWORDSREMEMBER YOUR PASSWORDS

• Having multiple complex passwords can be complicated

• You must find the best way to remember them (but always keep your passwords secret!)

SOURCESOURCE

http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/passwords-create.aspx