Watch that Password

Tip:
More of our work is online, but is it secure? Here are some tips for securing yours and your teachers’ protected files, documents, and other work online:

  • Be careful of using passwords that may be easy to figure out such as “password,†your first name, or simple numbers in chronological order.
  • Try not to use your pet’s name, date of birth, social security number, mother’s maiden name, or your nickname.
  • Watch out for any word that appears in the dictionary.
  • Put together numbers and letters, upper and lowercase letters, and include special characters like exclamation points.
  • If you have a favorite saying, take the first letters of each word and then add numbers with some letters uppercase. i.e. “Take me to the ballgame†or Tm2tT3b4
  • Don’t e-mail your password. If you have to, do not send your password along with the login in the same message.
  • Change your password regularly possibly every quarter or even every month for secure documents.

Since you may be creating an unusual password, save it in a secure place such as your wallet or safe.

Submitted by:Barbara Bray

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