A strong password helps protect your accounts from unauthorised access. Weak or reused passwords are one of the most common ways attackers gain access to email accounts, cloud services, systems, and business data.
A good password should be difficult for someone else to guess, but easy enough for you to remember.
We recommend using a long password or passphrase. A passphrase is made up of several words, which can make it easier to remember while still being difficult to guess.
For example, instead of using a short password such as a name, date, or common word, use a longer phrase that is unique to you.
A strong password should:
- Be at least 12 characters long, and longer where possible
- Use a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid names, birthdays, company names, or common words
- Avoid simple patterns such as Password123 or Welcome1
- Be different for every account
- Not be shared with other people
- Not be written down where others can easily find it
You should avoid reusing the same password across multiple services. If one account is compromised, attackers may try the same password on other systems.
Using a password manager can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for each account. This means you only need to remember one strong master password.
Where available, you should also enable multi-factor authentication. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, so even if someone discovers your password, they are less likely to gain access to your account.
If you think your password may have been shared, guessed, or compromised, change it immediately. You should also check your account for any unusual activity.
If your account is hosted or supported by Fastnet and you need help changing your password, please contact the Fastnet Helpdesk and we will be happy to assist.