A list of the Worst Passwords of 2015 was published this month by SplashData, a company specializing in password management software.

If your passwords are among the those listed or similar, it might be time to consider creating and utilizing stronger passwords. FIS has multiple Knowledge Base articles to assist with the creation of secure passwords.

Creating a Strong Password

Avoid dictionary words but consider password phrases, repeated characters, and patterns found on a typical keyboard.

Save the spouse’s, child’s, pet’s names and other personal information for security questions for two-step authentication, but choose the ones that are most unique to you and least guessable. Consider what information regarding such answers can easily be found on your social media profiles.

Be sure to include at least three of the following four character types in your passwords – even if the account in question does not require them and it is possible to include them:

• Uppercase letters (A through Z)
• Lowercase letters (a through z)
• Numerals (0 through 9)
• Non-alphabetic, special characters (!, $, #,%, and others)

Learn about Accounts & Passwords on the FIS Knowledge Base.

Frequently Asked Questions about Passwords

Browse the Password Security Articles or read through the Password FAQ if you have questions such as:

• Why does my password expire and why do I have to change it?
• Why does my password need to be so long?
• Why shouldn’t I use common words for my password? They are easier for me to remember.
• Why shouldn’t I use personal names or numbers for my password?

Password Expiration

FIS ensures that our customers change their passwords every 60 days, or approximately 2 months. This is to ensure that if a hacker obtains an encrypted password, there is a chance that it will be changed by the customer before the hacker enters the account.

Not all accounts that require a password require customers to change their passwords after a set amount of time. However, it could be a good habit to bring in the new year to change your passwords every two months or so!

Read more about University Accounts and Password Durations.

Changing Your FIS Password

Questions about changing your FIS Password? Consult the Changing Your FIS Password Article to familiarize yourself with the ways in which you can change you password:

• The Windows Change Password Screen – a voluntary way to change your password
• At the initial login message when your password has expired
• Call FIS Customer Support to reset it