PASSWORD tips

Dos and Don’ts of Passwords/Passphrases

• Don’t write it down. If you have a difficult time remembering your

passwords use a password manager program (see “Software” link on
the right-hand menu).
• Don’t let anyone observe you entering it. It is especially important
to be aware of your environment in public areas such as labs and
lobby computer clusters.
• Use a passphrase (see examples below)...a sentence that you derive
a password from
• Use at least 8 characters (this is required by EKU). The more char-
acters you use, the more difficult it will be to crack. Also use at
least one number (this is also required by EKU).
• Never use dictionaries or random generators--hackers have those
too.
• Don’t use a password example from a website.
• Make sure each account has a separate password. This way if one
account is compromoised all are not.
• Always change a default password.
• Don’t use your name (in any combination) or nickname or the
names of anyone/anything else.
• Don’t use common numbers like a telephone or social security num-
ber or license plate.
• Don’t use simple patterns (12345678) or (a1b2c3d4e5)
• Do not start with a number.
• FOR EKU ONLY: Special characters are not allowed.

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