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Password best practices
Strong is beautiful
Keep your personal and financial information safe with strong and unique passwords. Strong passwords are:
- Long - at least 16 characters long (even longer is better).
- #DYK: a computer can break a six-letter password using lower-case letters in less than one second!
- #DYK: it will a computer 226 years to break a 12-character password using numbers, symbols, and upper- and lower-case letters.
- Passphrases - use a passphrase of 5 –7 random words.
- Random - like a string of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols (the strongest!)
- Unique - used for one and only one account. Do not use your digital banking password for any other type of account.
- Multi-factor authentication - Using more than a password to access an account—such as a texted code, authenticator app, fingerprint or access card—makes an account safer than a password alone!
- Not easily guessed - Do not use passwords that are based on personal information that can be easily accessed or guessed - like password1234. Don't include names of family members or pets in your password either.
Don't forget security basics:
- Keep your operating system, browser, and other software up to date.
- Use and maintain antivirus software and a firewall.
- Regularly scan your computer for spyware.
- Use caution with email attachments and untrusted links.
- Watch for suspicious activity on your accounts.