By: Ryan Johnson

Using strong passwords is one of the most important ways to keep personal and Penn State information secure. While it might seem daunting to create a password without using easy-to-remember information, relying on a series of words and using memory techniques can help you remember even the most complex passwords.

The following guidelines can help you create strong passwords:

• Choose a phrase that’s unique and familiar just to you.
• Make new passwords different from your other passwords.
• Don’t use words found in the dictionary or personal information like dates, names, and addresses.
• Combine the first part of each word in a phrase, mixing at least 15 numbers, characters, and letters.
• For example, “I love to play badminton” could become ILuv2PlayB@dm1nt()n.

Here are some things to avoid when creating passwords:

• Your name, family names, initials
• Significant dates/numbers
• Pets
• Birthdays
• Hometown
• Scholl name/mascot