Creating Strong Passwords

One of the easiest ways to boost security of your accounts is by having a strong password. Most services do have certain password complexity requirements that your password has to meet when setting up your account. With that being said, it is easy to create a simple password that meets these password complexity requirements. But beware... that doesn't make your password strong. 

Here are some common password complexity requirements:

• Must have at least 8 characters

• Must have 3 of the following:

  • capital letter

  • lowercase letter

  • number

  • symbol

" Password1! " is a password that meets the above complexity requirements but definitely isn't a strong password. 

Here are some other guidelines that can help you create and remember a strong password:

1. Longer passwords are better

2. Avoid using common words

3. Don't include any personal information in your passwords (date of birth, names, locations, etc)

4. Use a different password for each account you have

   • If a password gets compromised, you won't have to go change your password for all of your accounts

5. Utilize a password keeper program or app to store your passwords

6. Use more characters than the minimum amount

7. Use capital letters throughout the password

8. Use a phrase or group of words

9. Swap out letters in a word for numbers or symbols

   • Keyboard -> K3yB0@rd

   • A strong passphrase -> @_57r0ngP@5sphr@53

The next time you have to make a password, remember to make it strong.