Introduction to Email and Apps: Picking a Strong Password

Picking a Strong Password

Your password:

• Must be a certain length (for example: longer than 10 characters long)
• Must include a number or special characters/symbols (for example: ! % $)

Best Password Practices

Your password should: 

• Not be too short
• Not include personal information (birthday, address)
• Avoid common words or spellings (especially "password")
• Have letters and numbers, special characters, and/or symbols

Which of these passwords in the strongest?

• 660HighStr33t
• ILuv2b3@tthebeech!
• Pa$$w0rd*
• redsoxfan1912

The answer is...

• ILuv2b3@tthebeech!

Why? It's the longest password on the list, it doesn't include personal information, it avoids common words and spellings, and it includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Keeping Your Password Safe

• Write it down where no one else will find it
• Use a password manager (for example: LastPass, 1Password)
  • A password manager keeps track of all of your passwords. You will need to remember (and keep safe!) the password to the password manager.

More About Security...

For better security, use 2-factor authentication. When you have 2-factor authentication turned on, you will:

1. Enter your username and password
2. Then, give another piece of information, such as:
   • An answer to a secret question
   • A one-time code texted to your phone
   • A verification button that pops up on your phone
   • An automated phone call