Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

1. Use more than the minimum number of six characters, since longer passwords are generally more secure than shorter ones.
2. Use punctuation symbols in your password, such as a period ( . ) or an exclamation point ( ! ), and a mix of upper and lowercase letters.
3. Replace a letter or two with a number or symbol that looks similar, such as @ for a or 1 for i.
4. Avoid common words or well known information about yourself (such as birth date and family members' names) as part of your password. Instead, use a word or phrase that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to figure out.
5. Use a memory aid. One common method for creating strong passwords is to create a phrase that only you would understand to use as an aid for remembering your password (mnemonic).

For example, a common mnemonic used to help school children remember the notes for the lines of the G clef musical scale (EGBDF, from bottom to top) is "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge." An associated password for that mnemonic could be gClef_3gbdf.


Why Create a Strong Password?

Online criminals are, unfortunately, very sophisticated at figuring out passwords. The strong password requirements that BizLand enforces are far more effective at keeping your account secure than simple everyday words.

Here's a test you'll likely fail:
Go to http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password_checker.mspx
and see how quickly your password fails to pass their basic security check.

Any questions? Contact helen@cclarity.com