Weak passwords can provide potential attackers easy access to your computer and company network. Strong passwords are much, much harder to crack, even with the latest password-cracking software.
A strong password:
Is at least eight characters long.
Does not contain your user name, real name, or company name.
Does not contain a complete dictionary word.
Is significantly different from previous passwords. Passwords that change just slightly—such as Password1, Password2, Password3—are not strong.
Contains characters from each of the following groups:
Uppercase and/or lowercase letters.
Numbers
Symbols (!,@,#,$,%, etc.)
Ensure that it is mandatory for you—or someone else trying to access your computer—to enter your password on all operating system or application settings. If a dialog box prompts you about remembering the password, rather then requiring you to enter it, always select no. Permitting the password to be saved negates having the password at all.