Basic Requirements

Passwords must have a minimum of 12 characters (30 max) and must include at least 2 of the 4 character types.

Users who have access to confidential information must adhere to a 12 character minimum standard and must use 3 of the 4 character types.


Usable Character Types

  1. Uppercase Letters (A-Z)
  2. Lowercase Letter (a-z)
  3. Numbers (0-9)
  4. Approved Symbols: ! + - _ * ? % . { } ~ "

Important Rules to Remember

Your password cannot contain

  • Parts of your name or username - This information is often stored in public directories alongside your username
  • Single dictionary words - Password cracking tools easily recognize dictionary word sequences (e.g. password, Substantial, butterfly, house123)
  • Simple letter-to-number substitutions - Unfortunately, Password-cracking tools are on to these practices (e.g. P4ssw0rd or f00tba11)
  • Cannot contain spaces
  • Old passwords - In the event of a compromise, the password will often be sold or added to hacker databases. Using the same password puts you at risk.
  • Characters not available on an English (US) keyboard.

A secure password does not have to be difficult to remember. 

   

Methods for Creating Strong Passwords

Consider these tips and tricks to create a secure password that is unforgettable.

Random passwords, like ones created by a random password generator, are the most secure passwords but also the hardest to remember. Try this spin on creating a somewhat random password.

Example 1:

  1. Take a sentence:  I am amazing because I created a very secure password today!
  2. Use the first letter of every word:  iaabicavspt! 
  3. Secure it a little more with CAPS and a few characters: !IaabIcavspt!

Example 2:

  1. Take a sentence:  My first car was a baby blue 1960 Ford Mustang.
  2. Use the first letter of every word:  mfcwabb1960fm
  3. Secure it a little more: MfcwaBB1960FordM. 

Try a pass “phrase” instead of a pass “word”. Use length to your advantage. Turn a memorable sentence into a password:

Weak: spring1spring

Best using a phrase:  Spring-is-MY-favorite-season1.

Weak: mydogfluffy1

Best using a phrase: MyincredibleDogFLUFFYis9!

Create a mental picture of your password. Imagery helps you remember. Sketch it out and post it on your wall. No one will know that this pic is your password.   

Image: Mona Lisa 

Connected Password: France-lady-crazyeyes-Bonjour  

Image: First Football game at App

Connected Password: crowd-blackgold-GASouthern-win!

Make a password meaningful but not personal. Never use personal information in your password such as an address, phone numbers, names of family members, etc. 

Do, however, make a password meaningful to you. Base your password on a fond memory or a personal goal. Your thoughts are unique to you and are probably not recorded elsewhere. 

Example 1: lose20lbsbytheendofSeptember!

Example 2: Finish3hikes~ByauGust24

Find patterns that you can carry over to future password changes while maintaining security.

1st password: ketchup-christmas-tomato-rose (things that are red)

2nd annual password: cucumber-grass-rhododendron-pinetree (things that are green)

3rd annual password:  blueberry-waterfall-sky-globe (things that are blue)

Pro Tips

  • Make passwords meaningful but not personal
  • Avoid using addresses, phone numbers, or family names
  • Base passwords on memories or goals
  • Use length to your advantage
  • Consider using password patterns that can evolve over time

Why These Rules Matter

  • Length increases security significantly
  • Personal info is often publicly available
  • Reused passwords are vulnerable if compromised
  • Dictionary words are easily cracked by automated tools
  • Simple substitutions are predictable

Do not use any passwords displayed on this page.


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