Reference: Passwords-Overview

Many Sites require that users identify themselves with an ID (Name, ID, SiteName, or Userid) and a password before using or sending sensitive data like credit card numbers or account information. The password provides additional security against hackers, who can often guess a user's SiteName (for example, when the SiteName is the user's name). However, the security of the Site is only as good as your Password: Set your password intelligently and PROTECT IT!

We recommend following these guidelines for creating and maintaining your passwords:

1. Do NOT use any portion of your name, address, city, state or zip
2. Do NOT use any portion of any of your children's, parents, or spouse's name
3. Do NOT use the name of your neighborhood, a pet, or your favorite activity
4. CHANGE your password regularly
5. USE at least 8 characters in your password, with a minimum of 2 letters (both UPPER and lower case) and 2 numbers.

To further protect yourself, provide private information you value only to Sites implemented with SSL (makes it difficult for hackers to intercept the information while in transit on the Internet)!