Technology Services

Password Security

How can I keep my password secure?

The first step in keeping your password secure is to create a good one. A strong password will be at least 8 positions in length and include a combination of:

• Alphabetic, including both upper and lower case: A to Z and a to z
• Numeric, 0 to 9
• Special characters such as: !@#~^&*()

Consider selecting a phrase you will remember and converting the first letter of each word in the phrase to a strong password using the suggestions above.

For example, the phrase password "Raindrops keep falling on my head and I want to steal your umbrella" can be turned into the following strong password: rKf0mH&1W2sYU

After you've created a strong password, continue with the suggestions below to keep it safe:

• Never share your password with anyone. 
• Never save your password if prompted by your browser or any other programs: You can turn this option off in Internet Explorer 5, 6, and 7
• Change your password at least every six months
• Never send your password in email, even if the request looks official. Requests to do so are most likely phishing attempts.

Graphic supplied courtesy of the Indiana University UITS Knowledge Base