When creating a passphrase, many Postal Service™ employees have likely received at least one of these error messages:
n “Doesn’t meet length requirements,”
n “Missing special character,” or
n “Can’t contain username.”
Creating a passphrase strong enough to meet security requirements, yet memorable enough that you don’t need to write it down can be challenging. Use these steps to create a secure and unique passphrase:
n Select a memorable phrase, such as “Be CyberSafe.”
n Change specific letters into special characters or numbers to increase security and originality (e.g., B3_Cyb3rS*f3).
n Add a unique identifier to further differentiate passwords across your other accounts (e.g., B3_Cyb3rS*f3_w0^k).
If you need to write down your passphrase, protect it by safely securing it in a locked file cabinet or container that only you can access.
Additionally, make sure that passphrases comply with the requirements listed in Handbook AS-805, Information Security (about.usps.com/handbooks/as805/as805c9_019.htm):
n Minimum of 15 characters.
n Uses three of the four character types described below:
n One uppercase letter,
n One lowercase letter,
n One number, or
n One special character (e.g., @, #, $).
For more helpful tips about cybersecurity best practices, visit the CyberSafe at USPS® websites on Blue (blue.usps.gov/cyber) and LiteBlue (liteblue.usps.gov/cyber).
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Security Officer
and Digital Solutions, 1-14-21
