Keeping your account secure

Keeping your data safe is our top priority. We’ve always required a minimum password length, and the use of letters and numbers, to make it harder for attackers to ‘brute force’ your login. We also have measures to prevent repeated automated password attempts.

But the computing power available to malicious actors is increasing all the time, and based on professional advice we have taken the decision to increase our minimum password length to 15 characters to keep your data secure.

What this means for you

From 10am GMT this Wednesday, 29 November, we will apply this security upgrade. If your password is already 15 characters or more, you won’t notice any change.

But if your password is shorter, then when you next log in, you’ll see a message asking you to reset your password. The new password must:

• Include at least one letter and one number
• Contain between 15 and 64 characters
• Not use the following symbols < >

How you can choose and remember a secure password

The UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends choosing three random words to create a secure, memorable password. Simply add a number to comply with our password requirements.

Is it safe to have your browser save the password?

Many web browsers - including Chrome, Edge and Safari – will offer to save passwords for you. This is safe to do on your own private device – such as a personal laptop or phone – but you should not do this on a shared or public computer. More advice is available on the NCSC website.

Help and support with your login issues

If you’re experiencing difficulties with logging in to our website, please get in touch, choosing ‘website’ as the department.