NetTeller Tips for Stronger Passwords

Passwords are an important part of computer security.  A password tells a computer and/or network that you are who you say you are.  Because your password acts as a key onto various systems, it should be safeguarded, carefully chosen and difficult for someone else to guess.  Below are some helpful tips for creating and protecting your password.

Do not use any of the following for passwords:

• Any part of your name - first, last or middle
• Your initials
• Your social security number
• Names of friends, family or pets
• Birthdays
• Phone numbers or addresses
• Any other personal information that could be guessed
• Common place names
• Words that can be found in English or other language dictionaries
• Your user name or login name
• Repetition of the same letter
• Sequences of keyboard keys, such as "12345" or "qwerty"
• Any minor variation of the above, such as spelling backwards or adding a number in front of or behind a word

Do use the following:

• Make up your own acronym.  Create a phrase that has meaning for you, and use the first, second or last letter of each word as the password.  For example, "I like to go for walks" could be il2g4w.  "No one is home now, leave a message" could be o1seweae.
• Make up your own words that are easy to pronounce, but aren't in any dictionary.  "I am unique too" becomes imunek2.
• Use the license plate method.  Use a phrase, then squeeze it together.  "Cardinals are #1" becomes crdsr1.
• Misspelled words.  Coffee becomes kauphy.
• Remove vowels from a word or phrase.  "Telephone"   becomes tlphn3

Protect your password:

• Memorize your password.  Do not write them down.
• If you suspect that your password has been compromised, change it immediately.
• Never share your password with others, even while on vacation.  You are ultimately responsible for any activity that occurs under your user name.

Don't hint at the format of your password. (e.g., it's a family name)