Using strong passwords is an important administrative control in the “toolkit” of Information Security. Computer users must always create passwords that are difficult to guess or “crack”. To achieve this, use passwords that do not contain common words, linked common words, and/or words with numbers or punctuation at the beginning or end. Foreign language words, and words spelled backward, are easily “cracked” by readily available software.
An example of how to create a strong password is to use the first letter of each word in an easily remembered phrase, while incorporating numbers and/or special characters, and both upper and lower case. For example, M2fsRb&b = My 2 favorite sports R baseball & basketball.
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Password Idea: |
Weak Password: |
Stronger Password: |
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I love my kitty |
1Kitty |
1<3K177y! |
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I’m Susan and 53 yrs. old |
Susan53 |
Sus@n53Yr01D. |
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I’m 22 and like jellyfish |
jelly22fish |
J311yF!shRkew1@22! |
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My cat smells |
sm3llycat |
$m3llycat. |
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I’m Jack Bauer |
jAckBauer |
B@uerja(k=iZM3 |
Password Strength Meter
Passwords must NEVER be shared with any individual for any reason, especially by technicians, who often have elevated privileges. You are responsible and accountable for all activity that comes from your computer. Sharing a password can compromise the security of the entire system, and it is a violation of WVOT-PO1001, WVOT Information Security Policy, as well as the Computer Crimes and Abuse Act, WV Code 61-3C-10.