Passwords & Passphrases

With technological advances, it's relatively easy for computers to guess passwords. Commercial tools exist that claim to test up to 2.8 billion passwords per second using just a standard desktop computer. Protect yourself with these password/passphrase tips.

A Strong Password (at least 12 characters) or Passphrase (at least 20 characters):

• Includes a combination of upper and lowercase alphabetic characters, symbols, and numbers
  • accepted symbols for EKU systems include: ! @ # $ %
• Is changed regularly-IT recommends changing passwords every ninety days
• Is significantly different than the last password used

DO NOT USE:

• All or part of your name, username, department or college
• A password of all numbers or a single repeated letter
• A word contained in any dictionary
• A password with a length under eight characters
• Reuse or recycle passwords

Suggestions to create a Passphrase

• Abbreviate by using only the first letters of a memorable sentence-like from a favorite song or poem
• Remove the vowels from a word, or move all the vowels to the end of the word
• Use a long passphrase, such as a news headline or even the title of a book report or research paper
• Use phonetic replacements-use PH instead of F 
• Use words in reverse order, such as noitazilivic instead of civilization

Do you have a suggestion to add to this article to make us all safer and more secure?