Protecting Your Passwords

Here's what you should be doing regarding passwords:

• Change your passwords every 60-90 days
• Use a combination of uppercase, lower case and numbers. This is called a strong password. When computing online it's important to use strong passwords. Weak passwords use just letters or just numbers. 1234 isn't a good password. 24poodle1977 is a better choice. And the more characters, the harder it is to crack - go with at least 6 or more characters. And don't come up with this super secure password then write it on a sticky note on your computer monitor. 
• Keeping your password to yourself. Some companies write up employees who break security protocols and even terminate them.
• Always log out of public computers.
• Password protect your laptop (in case it's stolen or you lose it).

Here's what you shouldn't be doing:

• Never email your password-even if you use an encrypted email, it's bad form to email passwords.
• Don't keep default passwords to anything. Always change your password right away when getting into a new system.
• Don't believe emails saying this is IT and we need your passwords. This is a social engineering attack aka spear phishing.
• Never leave your passwords in plain sight.
• Don't use the same password for everything.