Password Tips

Protocol: Tips on Creating a Strong Password

Granite State College requires a strong password when using college resources. A strong password is one that is difficult for someone else to figure out.

Your password must include the following criteria:

  • a minimum of 8 characters

And include choices from at least 3 of these:

  • 1 uppercase letter
  • 1 lowercase letter
  • 1 digit (0-9)
  • 1 of the following symbols: % * + - _ . : ; , = ? ! / \ [ ] ~ ^ |

Please note that your password cannot be a recognizable word or a word that could be found in the dictionary. Below are some examples of passwords that will work.

Use these steps to develop a strong password:

  1. Think of a sentence that you can remember. This will be the basis of your strong password. Use a memorable sentence, such as "My son Aiden is three years old," or “The sun will come out tomorrow.”
  2. Convert the sentence to a password. Take the first letter of each word of the sentence that you've created to create a new, nonsensical word. Using the example above, you'd get: "msaityo".
  3. Mix upper and lower case then add a number and a symbol. For example, use = for the "i" in "is" and 3 for the "t" in "three" yields the following acceptable password: Msa=3yo.
  4. For more examples and tips click here.

Dos:

A strong password contains a combination of six or more upper and lowercase letters, plus some punctuation marks, symbols and numbers.

Consider changing your passwords regularly.

Create unique passwords on each of your accounts.

Create an acronym or take the first letter of each word in a sentence that you can remember such as "My son Aiden is three years old," or “The sun will come out tomorrow.”

Always log out and close your browser when you are finished working.

Don'ts:

Don't share your passwords with anyone.

Don't use the same password twice.

Don't use keyboard patterns (asdf) or sequential numbers (1234). 

Don't use personal information such as your name, birthday, company name, etc.

Never send your password by email.

Your password should not be a recognizable word or a word that could be found in the dictionary.