1. Creating STRONGCreating STRONGPasswords

2. CREATING STRONG PASSWORDSCREATING STRONG PASSWORDS A strong password is an important part of keeping your information safe online We will cover important tips in this presentation that will help you create a strong password.

3. Make your passwords long 8 or more characters is a good length TIP #1 - LENGTHTIP #1 - LENGTH

4. Include letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers. Use the entire keyboard, not just the letters and characters you use or see most often. TIP #2 - COMPLEXITYTIP #2 - COMPLEXITY

5. The greater the variety of characters in your password, the better. However, password hacking software automatically checks for common letter-to- symbol conversions, such as changing "and" to "&" or "to" to "2." TIP #2 - COMPLEXITYTIP #2 - COMPLEXITY

6. Don't use the same password for everything! Cybercriminals steal passwords on websites that have very little security, and then they use that same password and user name in more secure environments, such as banking websites. TIP #3 - VARIETYTIP #3 - VARIETY

7. To keep strong passwords effective, change them often. Remind yourself to change your passwords every three months or so. TIP #4 - VARIATIONTIP #4 - VARIATION

8. Dictionary words in any language. Words spelled backwards, common misspellings, and abbreviations. Top Worst Passwords of 2012: 1. password 2. 123456 3. 12345678 4. abc123 5. qwerty Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/prweb10046001.htm TIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOIDTIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOID NEVER use these as your passwords

9. Sequences or repeated characters. Examples: 12345678, 222222, abcdefg, or adjacent letters on your keyboard (qwerty). Personal information. Your name, birthday, driver's license, student number, passport number, or similar information. TIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOIDTIP #5 – THINGS TO AVOID

10. There are many ways to create a long, complex password. Here are some suggestions that might help you remember it easily: EXAMPLE

11. Click on the link below to test the strength of your password: https://www.microsoft.com/security/pc- security/password-checker.aspx TESTING THE STRENGTHTESTING THE STRENGTH

12. REMEMBER YOUR PASSWORDSREMEMBER YOUR PASSWORDS Having multiple complex passwords can be complicated You must find the best way to remember them (but always keep your passwords secret!)

13. SOURCE http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/passwords-create.aspx