Protect your ESB user account by using a strong, separate password

Having a strong, separate password for your ESB user account means that if cyber criminals steal the password for one of your other accounts, they can’t use it to access your ESB user account.

Use three random words to create a strong password

A good way to create a strong and memorable password is to use three or more random words and a number or symbol, for example 3redhouseMonkeys27!

Make sure your password is at least 8 characters long and contains both upper and lowercase letters as well as at least one number.

Be creative and use words memorable to you, so that people can’t guess your password. Your social media accounts can give away vital clues about yourself so don’t use words such as your child’s name or favourite sports team which are easy for people to guess.

Cyber criminals are very smart and know many of the simple substitutions we use such as ‘Pa55word!” which utilises symbols to replace letters.

Never use the following personal details for your password:

• Current partner’s name
• Child’s name
• Other family members’ name
• Pet’s name
• Place of birth
• Favourite holiday
• Something related to your job (e.g. your job title or the name of your employer)

If you think that someone else might know your password you should change it straight away.