---
title: "Making Strong Passwords"
canonical: "https://help.nnu.edu/space/TMR/2497310/Making%20Strong%20Passwords"
format: markdown
---
# NNU Password Requirements

- Start with a letter (upper or lower case)
- At least 14 characters long
- Cannot contain any part of your username
- Old passwords cannot be reused
- It may only be changed once per day
- It must contain the following:
  - Uppercase letters
  - Lowercase letters
  - Numbers OR Special Characters - Special Characters can consist of space !@#$%^&*()_+, but we suggest avoiding < > and forward slashes / if possible.

If you need help logging in or resetting your password please visit [Password Management](https://nnuitservices.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/TMR/pages/2493395) or call the ITS Help Desk at 208-467-8111.

# Password Best Practices

Here are some other helpful password guidelines to use as you build a strong password!

![image](media://787b7c26-e65e-406b-a27d-409d5add28c1)

- Don't rely on just a password. Use two-factor authentication on any site that offers it. (2-step = a strong password AND a device confirmation.) Email, social media sites and banking sites are just a few that offer 2-step authentication. Take advantage of this tool.
- Use a password manager like [LastPass](https://www.lastpass.com)[, ](#)[Keepass](https://keepass.info/), or [Bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com/) to store your passwords. Password managers offer secure, encrypted storage of your passwords and are available as mobile apps and browser extensions. They also take the guesswork out of creating passwords with password generators.
- Use a passPHRASE. Use words that create a picture in your head and then use symbols to replace or separate some of the letters, such as "seascapemoons" becoming Sea!scape#M00ns. More on passphrases below.
- Use a different password for different sites. Using the same passwords will compromise multiple accounts i<span style="color: #111111">f one of your passwords is stolen.</span>
- Don't use a sticky note on your desk to remind you of your passwords!
- Watch this video tutorial for more great tips:

> Macro (iframe)

# Passphrases

Passwords can be difficult to remember, especially when you have many unique ones to match different password requirements. Instead of a password, you may consider using a passphrase. 

A passphrase consists of four or more random words that create a password over 14 characters in length. Below is an example of a strong passphrase. Replacing letters with special characters adds even more security.

- Mary Had Little Lamb or M@ry H@d L1ttl3 L@mb

This passphrase is 20 characters long and contains uppercase, lowercase and special characters. Using current technology, this passphrase would take 2.4 x 10^24 years to crack. If your password is stolen or compromised, you can simply modify a word(s) in the existing passphrase, as shown below, or create a new passphrase.  

- Little Lamb White Snow
- Peter Piper Pick Peck
- Picked Peck Pickled Peppers

The permutations in using a passphrase are virtually endless and easier for most people to remember.

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> Macro (rw-ui-children)