VCU's Standard for Strong Passwords (compatible with Banner)
Strong passwords cannot be guessed
easily. Hackers often use automated tools to help them guess or crack
passwords, and the easier a password is to guess, the faster a hacker
can break into a system.
Here are the standards for eID
passwords, which are compatible with Banner requirements:
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DO THIS: |
DON'T DO THIS: |
|
Make your passwords from 7 to 12 characters long |
Use all or part of your login name |
|
Include at least one upper
case letter and one lower case
letter and no special
characters (e.g., #, >, %, @, *, etc). |
Use a real word in any language |
|
Use at least one numeric
that is not at the end or the
beginning of the
password. |
Use numbers in place of similar letters to form a word |
|
Use at least four different characters (don't repeat the same characters) |
Use consecutive letters or numbers (e.g., "Abcdef5g" or "o1234567Tn") |
|
Use random numbers and letters |
Use adjacent keys on your keyboard (e.g., "qWert6y") |
Many people write down their secret password, and tape it to the monitor or tuck it into a desk drawer next to their computer. The following are a few recommendations for handling your passwords more safely:
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DO THIS: |
DON'T DO THIS: |
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Keep your password secret |
Write down your password |
|
Use different passwords for different web sites |
Use the "remember my password" features on the web |
|
Change your passwords at least every six months |
Keep the same password for a long time or keep reusing old passwords |
