Uncomplicated passwords — like ABCDEFG and 1234abcd — might be simple to remember, but they’re very easy for hackers to guess.
In fact, among all accounts breached worldwide last year, 123456 was the password used by 23.2 million people, according to the National Cyber Security Centre in the United Kingdom.
It’s little wonder that online security experts advise users to ditch passwords for hard-to-hack passphrases.
Here’s how to create a secure, memorable passphrase:
• Select an easy-to-remember phrase. Let’s use “Be CyberSafe” as an example.
• Change some letters into special characters or numbers to increase security and originality — B3_Cyb3rS*f3.
• Then add a unique identifier to distinguish passwords across different accounts — B3_Cyb3rS*f3_w0^k.
Keep passphrases written on paper stored in a safe location and never share them with anyone.
Additionally, to keep USPS computer systems safe, be sure all passphrases used on the postal network comply with requirements in Handbook AS-805, Information Security.
The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages have more cybersecurity best practices.
