Account Security Tips
01. Use a Strong Password
A strong password:
- Is at least eight characters long.
- Contains a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Doesn't contain your user name, real name, or company name.
- Doesn't contain a complete word.
- Is significantly different from previous passwords.
- Isn't the same password you use on other web sites, such as for online banking, social media, or email accounts.
02. Use a Strong Security Question/Answer
A strong security question:
- Should be memorable by you.
- Should have many possible answers.
- Should not be something you would answer on a survey or quiz on a social networking site, blog, or during an interview.
- Can be cryptic, such as a code that only you would know the answer for
- Isn't the same question you use on other web sites, such as for online banking, social media, or email accounts.
- Should not be something someone can lookup online through social media!
A strong security answer:
- Should not be easily guessed or researched.
- Should not change over time.
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Should not be a date or time.
- Dates and times can vary in format, and can be difficult to answer correctly. For example, "01/02/1990", "1/2/1990" and "January 02, 1990" are the same date, but not the same answer!
- Should be easy to remember.
- Should be simple: one or two words.
- Doesn't contain your user name, real name, or company name.
- Is significantly different from previous passwords or answers.
- Isn't the same answer you use on other web sites, such as for online banking, social media, or email accounts.
- Should not be something someone can lookup online through social media!
Example Questions
Strong Questions
- What was the last name of your favorite third grade teacher?
- What was the last name of your favorite college professor?
- What was the name of your second pet?
- What is the name of your favorite astronomical body or star system?
Weak Questions
- What is your pet's name?
- In what year was your father/mother born?
- What is your favorite _____?
- What is my mother's maiden name?