MUnet Password / Guide: Create secure Miami credentials

Objective

• To provide guidelines on creating a secure MUnet password 
• To provide guidelines on creating secure Miami credentials 
• To provide guidelines on password requirements and format 

User

• Miami University Staff, Faculty, Student

Environment

• 1388733: RapidIdentity
• 908729: MU IAM Portal
• Security
• 10296: MUnet Password Utilities (WAS)
  • MUnet Password

Rationale

• Poorly-chosen passwords are responsible for many compromised or damaged accounts

Guidelines 

Create a secure password

• Your password must be:
  • at least sixteen characters in length — in general, longer is better
  • composed of a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters — numbers and special characters are permissible and encouraged but not required
  • stored in a secure manner — web browsers, unencrypted files, and paper (without physical protections) are not considered secure
  • private — passwords should not be shared with anyone, even support staff

Choose your technique wisely

• Avoid poor passwords by choosing a creative technique
  • Pick a long phrase of random words that you can remember
    • example: CorrectHorseBatteryStaple
  • Pick a long phrase of your own slang and misspellings
    • example: SkibitiDiddlyIddlyD'ohMang
  • Many web sites provide tips on selecting good passwords: Conduct an Internet search on password security for more ideas

Avoid commonalities

• Do not use:
  • a value that is the same as your UniqueID
  • your name or birth date, your significant other's name or birth date, your child's name or birth date, your dog's name, your mother or father's name, favorite band, etc.
  • your computer system's name
  • your favorite movie title or band or book
  • your street name or city
  • any of the passwords that are listed as examples on this page