• Use the first letters of the words in a phrase. For example, ‘From sea to shining sea’ would become 'fstss' – even better would be 'fs2ss'. Picking a familiar phrase gives you a memorable, but difficult to guess, password. (Consider using successive lines of a poem, or verses of a song, to create several passwords).

• The most secure passwords can't be found in any dictionary. A dedicated password cracker can write a program that tries every word in the dictionary until one clicks. Since a total gibberish word (lkjhg) is hard to remember, try inserting numbers (tie1on), misplaced punctuation (foss!il), or just an extra letter (hhappy) into otherwise memorable words.

• Reach for personal, not public significance. Better yet, find an obscure personal reference:

• Try creating your password as a series of motions rather than a word--e.g., 7-9-1-3-5 is the pattern of hitting each corner of the numeric keypad, then the center key. Some people find it easier to remember a pattern than an abstract code.

Avoid using:

• Your name spelled backwards, your middle name, your mother's maiden name, or the name of your children. Also avoid your birthday.
• Obscenities, especially of the four-letter variety. (Most password crackers will try them early on.)
• Science fiction terms. Among the more prevalent are "Data," "Spock," "Worf," "Borg" and "HAL."
• Computer terms: stay away from "keyboard"; "mousepad"; "megabyte"; etc.
• Line-of-sight terms: e.g., "Gateway" because that's the brand of their computer, or "telephone" because there is one on their desk. Though this can help you remember your password, it is a trick that password crackers are on to. To play it safe, avoid any reference to common objects found in households and offices.
• Common phrases: in particular, those pertaining to greeting or getting down to work, such as "Good morning," "Wake up", "Hey you" or "Get going."
• Anything related to your login ID: It's relatively easy for other people to get your login - don't let it provide a clue to your password! For instance, if your login is "basset" don't make your password "doglover."

Remembering your Password:

• In this day of password overload, even the most carefully chosen password can be difficult to remember. If you feel the need to keep a record of your password, hide it in a place that's easy to find, but in a form or context that makes it all but impossible to identify as a password. For example, let's say you selected your childhood address (e.g., 605 Elmwood) as your password. You could place an entry in your address book listing a Mr. Hansen (perhaps your second grade teacher) at 605 Elmwood Lane. This will provide a clue easily recognized by you alone.