How to Create a Strong Password

Question

What are some password tips to help create a complex password I can remember?

Answer

Using a pass phrase is a good way to create a complex password that you can remember without writing down. Statements about us are easier to remember than a random string of characters and you can recite the pass phrase to yourself while typing in your password.

Use these steps to create a strong password.

1. Think of a sentence you can remember. For example, something about yourself or a line from a favorite song or movie: "O'er the ramparts we watched." Choose something a friend wouldn't guess.
2. Use the sentence directly if you can. Many of us are used to typing sentences and are less likely to make mistakes. If you've picked a good sentence that you can remember and type easily, you're done!
3. If you can't use the sentence directly, add complexity. "O'er the ramparts we watched" is a good start: it has both upper and lowercase letters, spaces and punctuation, but it does not contain numbers. Replace a letter with a number, add a few more uppercase letters, and throw in some punctuation: "0'er the Ramparts We Watched..." Now it meets system password complexity guidelines. If you can remember and type that sentence easily, you're done!
4. If you want a shorter password, convert the sentence to a password. Use the first letter of each word to create "0tRWW..." At 8 characters, that barely meets the guidelines. Remember, though, that longer passwords are stronger: "0'erTheRam..." or "0'er,,,TheRWW..."

For your privacy and security, create a password, remember the StarID credentials, don't share or write it down!