The rules of thumb between password protection and your underwear are more similar than you might think. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind to make sure your password is strong enough!

1. Passwords are just
like your underwear
Here are 3 tips to ensure you are covered

2. If, like your favourite pair of underwear,
your password is starting to get a little
overworn, it might be time to consider
a refresh and come up with
something stronger.
The rules of thumb
between your
passwords and
your underwear
are more similar
than you might think.

3. Like your underwear,
you wouldn’t share
your password with
your friends.
95%* of people share their passwords with others. Don’t allow
yourself to be put at risk. Keep your passwords to yourself.
*Inc.com

4. You shouldn’t
leave them
lying around.
2 in 5* people leave their passwords
unprotected every day, causing their
passwords to be stolen and online
accounts hacked!
*Entrepreneur.com

5. Some are more
obvious than
others.
‘123456’ and ‘password’ are the most
commonly used passwords*, making them the
most predictable. You wouldn’t wear an outfit
that draws attention to your underwear, so why
create a password that draws attention to your
online assets?
*Top 10 Fascinating Facts About Passwords eBook, Slideshare.

6. So, have you
chosen the
right fit?
When it comes time to restock your
underwear drawer, there are 3 things to
consider, and the same basic principles
apply to refreshing your passwords.

7. 1. Have you
outgrown your
previous style?
Just like your favourite pair of Homer Simpson
undies, there comes a time when you outgrow
even the most trusty password. Hit refresh and
embrace a whole new style and fit by increasing
the size and incorporating some numbers.
For example, ‘strong password’ could be refreshed
by adding numbers: ‘5tr0n9 pa55w0r6’

8. 2. Are they
practical?
Frilly, fancy underwear might look nice, but if it’s not
functional for a full days wear it’s a waste of money. While
you need to spruce up your password, keep the length and
complexity to something you’ll actually use and remember.
Make your password strong enough to ensure it’s the right
size to beat the hackers, but be sure not to overuse it either!
When updating your password increase the length and
complexity by having at least 8 characters to make it stronger.

9. 3. Are they true
to your style?
Is your underwear a reflection of your personality?
Classy in Calvin Klein, bold in Bonds or super in
Superman? Just as the design, colour and shape
make underwear unique, your password needs to
be unique as well.
Give your password some personality! For example,
incorporate some symbols, upper & lowercase
letters, and give Calvin Klein some personality:
C@!v1n_K!31n

10. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 08.2016 Graphics © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au
How protected
are you online?
A combination of letters, numbers and symbols make for
a unique password that’s difficult for hackers to steal.
Length is strength, so consider using a paraphrase with a combination of letters,
numbers and symbols that is next to impossible to crack. Check out these tips for
creating a hack-proof password, then visit the USQ Username & Password website to
make the updates you need to ensure you’re protected online!