Passwords should be:

• At least 8 characters in length.
• Include a random mixture of letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers and symbols characters (e.g . ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) – + ? ).
• Choose a password that is easy to remember
  (see Tips for choose secure and easy to remember passwords below).
• Change your passwords frequently.

Passwords should not:

• Be based on personal information. e.g. name, nickname, birthday, relatives’ names, etc.
• Use your login name in any form. This includes backwards, doubled, capitalised, etc.
• Contain words in the dictionary. This includes foreign language words, slang, jargon and proper names.
• Comprise characters that are easily spotted when typing. Sequential keys on the keyboard, like: qwerty, mnbvcx or 123456 and so on are easy for people looking over your shoulder to recognise.
• Be re-used. If someone already knows your old password, re-using the password will open the door for them.
• Contain common misspelling and substitution (e.g. replacing “e” with “3” or “i” with “1”)

Tips for choosing secure and easy to remember passwords

Here are few tips to help you select complex passwords that are easy to remember.

• Alternate between one consonant and one or two vowels, minimum eight characters.


• Replace letters with symbols:
  A = @
  S = $
  E = #
  O = )


• Use three to four of:
  – Uppercase letters
  – Lowercase letters
  – Numbers
  – Symbols