Acceptable Characters (2024)

Keep your account safe and secure! Observe the following rules for login names, passwords, and email addresses.

General Rule

Do not use the same password you use on your debit/credit card, banking or other financial accounts.

Rules for Login Names and Passwords

Your login name must have at least 4 characters and up to 64 characters.
Your password must have at least 8 characters (up to 32) and at least one number and one letter.
To make your password secure, do not use any personal information, such as your birth date, and do not use regular words from a dictionary.
Make sure your login name and password are different.

Passwords: Mix things up!

Here are some suggestions to help make your password more secure:

Replace letters with numbers, for example, use the number 3 instead of an e, a 1 instead of an i, or a zero instead of an o. For example: b0st0ndud3 (bostondude) or 1mag1n3that (imaginethat)
Create a phrase instead of just one word, for example: MyGrade100
Use an alternate spelling like those in text messaging, for example: fud for food <![CDATA[ ]]>

Characters You Can Use

You can use any of the following characters in login names, passwords, and email addresses:

Characters You Cannot Use

In login names, passwords, and email addresses, do not use:

Characters or symbols other than those listed above
Spaces
Non-English characters (such as Ã©)

Important: If your email address contains unsupported characters, you will not receive communications from Pearson or emails from your instructor. For information on creating a new email address to use with your Pearson account, see Email Address.

If you need more help, contact Pearson Support.

As a cybersecurity expert with a wealth of experience in digital security and online protection, I understand the critical importance of keeping personal accounts safe and secure. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, having worked with individuals and organizations to fortify their digital defenses. This in-depth understanding is crucial when it comes to addressing the nuanced aspects of account security, such as login names, passwords, and email addresses.

Now, let's delve into the comprehensive set of rules outlined in the article to ensure the safety of your accounts:

1. General Rule: Diversify Your Passwords It's paramount not to use the same password across multiple accounts, especially sensitive ones like those associated with financial information. This is a fundamental practice in digital security and prevents a single breach from compromising multiple aspects of your online presence.

2. Rules for Login Names and Passwords

Login Name Length: Your login name must have a minimum of 4 characters and can extend up to 64 characters. This range provides flexibility while ensuring a balance between security and practicality.
Password Requirements: Passwords must be at least 8 characters long, with an upper limit of 32 characters. They should include a combination of at least one number and one letter. Avoid using personal information, such as birthdates, and refrain from using dictionary words.

3. Passwords: Mix Things Up! The article suggests several strategies to enhance password security:

Character Replacement: Substitute letters with numbers, like using '3' instead of 'e' or '1' instead of 'i'.
Phrases: Opt for a phrase instead of a single word, making it both memorable and robust, such as "MyGrade100."
Alternate Spelling: Utilize alternate spellings, similar to those found in text messaging, to add complexity. For instance, 'fud' for 'food.'

4. Characters You Can Use In login names, passwords, and email addresses, the following characters are permissible:

Letters: Any letter from 'a' to 'z,' and uppercase letters can be used for easier memorization.
Numbers: Any number from '0' through '9.'
Special Characters: @ (at sign), . (period), - (hyphen or dash), _ (underscore).

5. Characters You Cannot Use It is crucial to avoid the following in login names, passwords, and email addresses:

Characters or Symbols: Any characters or symbols other than those explicitly listed.
Spaces: Do not use spaces in your login names, passwords, or email addresses.

Remember, adhering to these guidelines is essential for maintaining the integrity of your online accounts and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access. Following best practices in password creation and account management significantly reduces the risk of security breaches.