Here are some tips for creating strong passwords:

• Use 8 characters or more; 14 is ideal.
• Combine both upper and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols such as a period, @, #, and $
• Pick letters from a phrase that’s meaningful to you to create a “pass phrase.” (“Do you know the way to San Jose?” could be D!Y!KtwTSJ?)
• Select a unique password and not one that you are using for some other purpose, such as your PIN at the bank or your password to another system.
• Change your passwords every 72 days or less.
• Avoid sequences or repeated characters like “12345678,” “222222,” “abcdefg.”
• Avoid sending your password over email.
• Test the strength of your passwords with a password checker lke the one below.

Test a password by typing into the text box below and watch as the Strength Checker instantly determines its strength as you type.

Need a place to store your passwords? If you like keeping things electronically, try the Little Virgo Electronic Password Organizer. Prefer paper? The Internet Password Organizer Book is for you!