Creating Secure Passwords
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- DISCUSSION
The CTC communications network is only as strong as the passwords created by its users. Passwords should be easily remembered but difficult and random enough to prevent others from guessing or password “cracking” programs from cracking them.
- PROCEDURE
When creating a new password, users should keep the following in mind:
Do not write your password down.
Do not make your password so difficult that you have to write it down.
Do not write passwords down and leave them near your computer, taped to your monitor, under your keyboard … especially in the workplace.
Do not share your password with anyone.
If you think someone may know your password, change it immediately.
Technicians and other IT staff do not need your password to access your account.
Do not use personal information to create a password.
Do not use words that can be found in a dictionary to create your password. Some password “cracking” programs contain dictionary files that can find dictionary words, including permutations such as “password” or “password1”.
Do not choose the same password for everything you do. If a hacker guesses your password then they could have access to your online bank accounts, email accounts, and your credit report.
A good password should include at least eight characters, more if possible.
A good password is complex and should use the following:
Upper and lower case characters.
Numbers.
- Special characters such as @, #, $, *; use the special characters in the password itself, not just at the end.
