What Should I consider when creating passwords for my own personal e-mail, D2L, Titan Mail, Novell, Titan Web or computer passwords in general?

Create a good (strong) password:

• Include both uppercase and lowercase letters (case-sensitive).
• Include both letters and numbers (alpha-numeric).
• Do not include your login name, a.k.a. username, in any form (as-is, reversed, capitalized, doubled).
• Avoid words that can be found in a dictionary (including foreign and technical dictionaries).
• Do not use a password that has been given as an example of a good password.

Create an easy to remember password:

One possible way to pick a good password is to make up your own acronym. Create a phrase that has meaning to you and pick the first letter of each word. Make sure your phase has numbers in the middle. A combination of numbers, special characters and lower case and capital letters is harder to guess or crack with a computer program.

Note: Before you create your password, please read the specific requirements for UW Oshkosh passwords on the Titan Mail Change Password Web Site.

Protect your Password

• Memorize your password.
• If you must write down your new password because you are afraid to forget it, then:
  • Never write your username and your password on the same piece of paper.
  • Do not place a written copy of your password on the side of your monitor, under your keyboard, etc.
  • Destroy the written copy as soon as you have memorized your password.
• Do not allow anyone to look over your shoulder while you are entering your password.
• Change your password often.
• Change your password immediately if it has been compromised.