Strong Passwords


Creating Strong Passwords

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Creating strong passwords while keeping them manageable (and memorable) can be quite tricky. By abiding by our password policy we try to make this process easier. But there are a few other tips that you can take as well to make sure that you are creating a secure password.

  • Keep passwords secret and change them often.
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  • Try to avoid using any series of recurring characters. Sequences like “abcdefg,” “12345678,” “222222,” or adjacent letters on your keyboard also do not make secure passwords.
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  • Keep away from using only look-alike substitutions of numbers or symbols. Criminals and other malicious users who know enough to try and crack your password will not be fooled by common look-alike replacements, such as to replace an ‘i’ with a ‘1′ or an ‘a’ with ‘@’ as in “M1cr0$0ft” or “P@ssw0rd”. But these substitutions can be effective when combined with other measures, such as length, misspellings, or variations in case, to improve the strength of your password.
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  • Keep away from using your Colorado College login name (or any other login name). Any part of your name, birthday, social security number, or similar information for your loved ones constitutes a bad password choice. This is one of the first things criminals will try.
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  • Keep away from using dictionary words in any language. Criminals use sophisticated tools that can rapidly guess passwords that are based on words in multiple dictionaries, including words spelled backwards, common misspellings, and substitutions. This includes all sorts of profanity and any word you would not say in front of your children.
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  • Do not use only one password everywhere. If any one of the computers or online systems using this password is compromised, all of your other information protected by that password should be considered compromised as well. It is critical to use different passwords for different systems.
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  • Choose a password which is easy to remember for you, but is structured in such a way that it is nearly impossible for a computer or another person to guess.

    • Here is an example of a password which is both strong and easy to remember (make sure you do not use this example for yourself!): P4m3dpW!

    (Pizza for me 3 days per Week!)

    For more information and tips on creating strong passwords click here

    To simply test and see if your password is strong or not, click here.

    If you have any further questions please feel free to give us a call at x6449 or e-mail us at HelpDesk@ColoradoCollege.edu

    Return to Protect Your Computer and Idenity

    Last revised on 07/24/08


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