Keeping Passwords Private and Secure

A password is a secret code that protects your accounts and personal information online. A strong password is hard for others to guess, and a safe password habit means keeping it private — never sharing it with friends or writing it in a place others can find.

What Makes a Password Strong?

• Use at least 8 characters — longer is stronger.
• Mix uppercase and lowercase letters (e.g., Aa, Bb).
• Add numbers (e.g., 3, 7, 12) and symbols (e.g., !, ?, #).
• Avoid your name, birthday, or the word "password".
• Make it something memorable to YOU but hard for others to guess.

Safe Password Habits

• Never share your password with friends, even your best friend.
• Do not write your password on paper in public view.
• Use a different password for different accounts.
• Change a password immediately if you think someone else knows it.
• Always log out of shared or library computers when finished.

Weak or Unsafe Password Habits

• Using "123456" or "password" as your password.
• Telling a friend your password.
• Using the same password for every account.
• Leaving yourself logged in on a shared computer.
• Writing your password on a sticky note on your desk.