How to choose a good password

Passwords must

• be at least 8 characters in length, and no more than 12
• contain at least one letter, and one number
• not be, nor contain an English word
• not include simple strings of letters or numbers

If you have your password reset by an IT support person, it will  look something like mon45h27t.
The "4" and "5" replace the "a" and "s" in the word Monash.

Remember, you MUST change any passwords given to you by an IT support person within 12 hours. If not, the password will expire and you will need to contact IT support again.

Tricks to choosing a good password

• Substitute numbers for letters, like the generated IT passwords.
For example, 0 = o, 4 = a, 5 = s
• Use something easy for you to remember, such as an acronym from a favourite saying or phrase.
  For example, r0ygbiv1 is based on the colours of the rainbow, (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet), substituting the "o" for a 0, and with a 1 at the end.
• Make sure no one can see you type in your password.

Things not to use for a password

• Your ID number, phone number, or any other code numbers you may already use (eg: your bank PIN).
  If someone finds out your password, they will have access to these other things, too;
• Birth dates of yourself, partners, family or friends - These are too easily guessed by people who know you;
• A (English) dictionary word;
  Words in another language can make good passwords that are harder to guess, and easier for you to remember;
• A similar password to your username;
  Apart from being easy to guess, you may end up confusing them, and will then have to call ITS for assistance;
• Old passwords.

Note: If you try to change your password to one that contains a dictionary word or sequence of numbers, it may be rejected.