Password Tips and Requirements

Password Requirements at IC

Passwords must:

  • Be between 8 and 256 characters
  • Have at least one letter, number, and special character, such as  ! % * + - ? _
  • Not contain your username or easily guessable words, Ithaca, college, bombers, password, etc.
  • Be unique and unrelated to any other of your passwords
    • Not be one you use or have used before at IC or elsewhere
    • Not be just a modified version of a password you have used before or elsewhere

Choosing a Password and Remembering It

  • Good passwords are long and random,
    • Not just a word or a word with common character substitutions like "4" for "A"
  • Consider using a password manager, like BitWarden or 1Password to generate a random password for you
  • Two techniques for creating strong, memorable passwords:
    • Use a series of five or more words as your password. They must be random words and not part of a phrase, song lyrics, etc.
      • Include a short random string of letters, numbers, and special characters somewhere as well
    • Use the first letter of each word in a sentence, keeping all its capitalization, numbers, and punctuation.
      • For example the password "Zra19'bawfoCL." is from the sentence "Zoe rented a 19 foot boat and went fishing on Cayuga Lake."]

You should never give out your password to anyone!

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