Password Tips & Guidelines

Here are a few password tips:

  • Keep it secure: It's important you keep your password to yourself. Do not share it with anyone or write it down. If you must write it down, only write down the hint or clue, not your password. We'll never ask you for your password.
  • Change your password periodically: Changing passwords reduces the risk of unauthorized access to online services if the password becomes known. Changing passwords also reduces the length of time that is available for unauthorized individuals to try to compromise a password.
  • Choose it wisely: Select a password that you will remember and that isn't too easy for someone to guess.
Examples:
Do
Use a combination of upper and lower case letters. For example:
  • tEafo2tWo2&cP8
Do
Uses randomly placed number and special characters. For example:
  • Te$a4me2t%5eW8
Do
Use an acronym for a phrase. This creates a complex password that is also easy to remember. For example:
  • T#ocitpi7&Ta2e (The number of clowns in the parade is seven and there are two elephants)
Do not
Do not use dictionary words or a combination. For example:
  • Painting
  • RedHouse
Do not
Do not use all numbers, sequential numbers/letters, repeating phrases or dates. For example:
  • 12345678
  • abcdefgh
  • xx11yy22
  • 12121212
Do not
Do not use words or phrases that are associated with you. For example:
  • BobSmith (your name, spouse or children's names)
  • 2010HillsideAve (your address)
  • 2508323751 (your phone number)
Do not
Do not replace similar-looking letters with numbers. For example:
  • m1ckeym0use (replacing a i with a 1 or a o with a 0)
Do not
Do not just add numbers or special characters at the beginning and/or end of a password. For example:
  • 82mice41
Do not
Do not use similar passwords. For example:
  • old4you1 and old4you2