We carry out regular tests to check the strength of passwords being used.
These tests are carried out by external testers, using hacking software freely available and easily found on the internet.
The testers are not given access to the network, or usernames – they just test the passwords and break the weak ones in a matter of seconds or minutes – a point worth remembering whether using passwords at home or at work.
It's really easy to make sure your password complies with our policy. If your password contains anything that is a recognisable word or name it will be a weak password.
For example, M@t10ck is a weak password.
£9bpReznwq^2 is a strong password – please don't use this one though, it's just an example!