"Passwords are like keys to your personal home online."

Here are some tips to keep your password protected:
* DO NOT share your password with others
- That includes the help desk, co-workers, managers, friends and family.

* DO NOT make your password your pets name, the name of anyone in your family, the kind of car you drive, anything that can be easily found out about you
- A strong password should be at least 8 characters long with a mixture of upper and lower case letters, special characters and numbers.

* DO NOT use the same password for all your online accounts
- If one account gets compromised, then all your other accounts are at risk.

* DO NOT write your password down
- Jot down a clue or a hint that will jog your memory.  If you have to write it down, keep it stored in a safe, secure place away from your computer.

* DO NOT check the "remember my password box"
- Many programs have no built-in security measures to protect this information.  Some programs actually store the password in plain text in a file on the computer.

* DO NOT keep the same password for months and months
- Change your password often, at least every 6 months.


OIS will NEVER ask you for your password in an email - NEVER!

You wouldn't give a stranger the keys to your real home, so don't give a stranger the keys to your digital home.

Resources for the above information:
http://www.staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/passwords-and-securing-your-accounts
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-002.html