To create and maintain a strong passphrase, YOU SHOULD:

• Match your passphrase to the value of what it is protecting. For instance, it is more important that your banking passphrase be extra secure compared to your library passphrase.
• Use the longest password or passphrase permissible. If that's way too long to manage, try to use passphrases that are at least 16 characters long.
• Use a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters allowed by the system.
• Keep your operating system, browsers, and other software on your devices up to date. Updates include security protections.
• Use characters or numbers to substitute for letters in your password
  • $, S or 5 for s
  • 1, I or ! for i
  • @ or A for a
  • 7 or T for t
  • 3 or E for e
  • 9, G or 6 for g
  • 0 or O for o
  • 8 or B for b

To create and maintain a strong passphrase, YOU SHOULD NOT:

• Use common phrases, famous quotations, song lyrics, birthdays, or other commonly guessed phrases or information. The two most common passwords are "password" and 123456. Is one of those one of yours?
• Use simple patterns of letters (abcde) or numbers (12345).
• Use private information in your passphrase like your phone number, your name, or your address.
• If you use personal information in your passphrase, don't post about it on social media. For example, if you use your pet's name as your password and then post pictures and his/her name on social media, you're giving people information to guess your password.
• Reuse a password or passphrase!
• Write it down, anywhere.
• Share your passphrase with anyone. The possible exception to this is if you are dealing with older participants. They may want to let their children know their passphrases in case they forget or so they can handle their affairs if necessary