Body
UWSP follows password complexity and rules outlined in UW-System policy as established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-63 Level of Assurance 2 (LOA 2).
Tips for Creating Strong Passwords
What makes a bad password?
- A bad password is one that is easily guessed by a stranger, a friend, or a computer program. Examples of weak passwords are:
- License plate numbers
- Dates
- Words found in any dictionary, including languages other than English, slang, jargon, abbreviations, proper names, etc.
- Combinations of dictionary words
- Dictionary words spelled backwards
- Numbers
- Any personal information
What makes a good password?
- One of the most popular ways to create a good password that is easy to remember is to substitute numbers and special characters in a favorite phrase or quote. Here are a few examples:
- I luv W1sc0ns1n! - "I love Wisconsin" (notice that spaces are allowed?)
- G$veMEaBre@k" - "Give me a break"
- 4Score+7yrsag0 - "Four score and seven years ago"
- 10+12 Equ@ls: 22 (instead of 101222)
Have questions about password security? Please contact the Service Desk.