To help protect your password, follow these guidelines for creating a unique password:

- Be creative. Don't use words that can be found in a dictionary.
- Use at least six characters.
- Don't use a password that you have used elsewhere.
- Don't use keyboard patterns (asdf) or sequential numbers (1234).
- Create an acronym. Don't use a common one, like NASA or SCUBA.
   Don't make your password solely an acronym;
   combine it with numbers and punctuation marks.
- Include punctuation marks. Mix capital and lowercase letters. Include numbers.
- Include similar looking substitutions, such as the number zero for the letter 'O' or $ for the letter 'S'.
- Include phonetic replacements, such as 'Luv 2 Laf' for 'Love to Laugh.'
- Don't make your password all numbers, all uppercase letters, or all lowercase letters.
- Find ways of collecting random letters and numbers, such as opening books,
   looking at license plates or taking the third letter from the first ten words you see.
- Don't use repeating characters (aa11).
- Don't use a password that is listed as an example of how to pick a good password.

Tips for keeping your password secure:

- Never tell anyone your password. Don't write it down.
- Never send your password by email.
- Periodically change your password.