Tech Guides :: Information Security :: Password Protection
Your Responsibility
You are responsible for securing your account information and for all activity occurring from your account. Sharing your password and account information with anyone violates the HSU Appropriate Use Policy. If your password is shared or stolen it can be used to compromise your email account. You will be held liable if your account is compromised as a result of sharing this information.
Creating Good Passwords
Passwords are your first line of defense against an unauthorized person gaining access to your personal information. The HSU Standard requires a significant level of password complexity. HSU requires a minimum of 8 characters and up to 30 characters. The password must contain one or more letters, one or more numbers, and at least one special character. A special character can be one of the following:
- !#%*+,-. /:=?\^
- Note: The following special characters are NOT supported @[]{}$&;()'"<>
. Additional tips for choosing a good password:
- Don't use your login name in any form (reversed, capitalized, as-is).
- Don't use your first, middle or last name, or your pet's, parent's, sweetheart's, or child's name.
- Don't use a common dictionary word.
Use mnemoinc phrases as a Best Practice. Mnemonics are devices, such as formulas or rhymes, used as memory aids.
- Mix up the password with numbers, upper and lower case letters, and symbols.
- Make it easy enough to type quickly to prevent others from seeing what you typed.
- Create it from a method that makes it easy to remember, for example:
Choose a line from a song, poem or a sentence and use the first letter of each word in that line.
For example, r-e-s-p-e-c-t, Find Out what it means to me becomes rFOwim2m=. Add numbers or symbols to this to make it harder to guess. - Use two unrelated words and separate them with a punctuation mark, symbol or numbers; you can also reverse one or both of the words.
Example: "surf dent" becomes fruS10*tned
