Tips for Creating and Protecting Your Password

A good password is easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess.

Create a good password, using these rules:

  • All new passwords created must be at least eight (or nine) characters long.
  • New passwords may not exceed 48 characters in length.
  • Passwords cannot be the same as your GatorLink user name.
  • Passwords less than 18 characters long:
      • Cannot contain any word or string found in UF’s dictionary;
      • Must contain at least three of the following four elements:
        • Uppercase letters,
        • Lowercase letters,
        • Numbers,
        • Punctuation/spaces/special characters. Note: The backslash ‘\’ character cannot be used in your GatorLink password. All other punctuation/special characters are acceptable. International characters are not allowed.
  • Passwords at least 18 characters long must pass limited checking for commonly used phrases or patterns.

Useful Strategies and Tips:

  • The longer the password, the better up to the 48 character maximum.
  • One way to make a password is to invent a phrase and use the first letter of each word to make an acronym, and then replace some letters with numbers or punctuation.
  • Another way to make a password is to use 2 or 3 words or a short phrase but replace the vowels or specific letters with numbers or punctuation.

What not to do:

  • Do not use your mother’s maiden name, your GatorLink username, or anything obviously related to you–in any form (initials, reversed, doubled)
  • Do not make minor changes to your current password
  • Do not use a given password example seen elsewhere

Protect your password:

  • Memorize your password.
  • If you must write down your new password:
    • Never write your username and your password on the same piece of paper;
    • Do not post your password, even in a private office. Do not hide a password under your keyboard. Secure it the way you would secure a credit card;
    • Do not tell anyone your password. System managers can normally do what they need to do without your password.
  • Do not allow anyone to look over your shoulder while you are entering your password.
  • If your computer offers to “remember” your password, just say NO. Turn off this “AutoComplete'” feature in your browser.
    (In IE: Tools >Internet Options >Content tab >AutoComplete button – uncheck “usernames and passwords on forms;” clear passwords)
  • Do not use your GatorLink password as the password for your other accounts such as eBay and Yahoo. In each case, create a unique password.
  • Change your password immediately if it has been compromised.
  • Individuals may only change their password once in a 24-hour period.

Assistance

Please contact the UF Computing Help Desk, (352)392-HELP(4357) regarding the use of the GatorLink Password Management system in myUFL.