 A Windows Live ID consists of your e-mail address and a password that you select. Once you sign up for a Windows Live ID, you can use it on Windows Live sites such as Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, MSN, Office Live, Xbox Live, and more. You can even configure many of these sites to remember your credentials for you.
Here's how you can help protect your Windows Live ID. On This PageHelp protect your Windows Live ID with a strong password
When you first sign up for a Windows Live ID, you'll be asked for a password. Top 5 password tips
1. | Choose a strong password that includes a combination of both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters such as a space or #!@*&%.
| 2. | Change your password occasionally. When you reset your password you can choose to make it expire every 72 days and Windows Live will remind you to update it.
| 3. | Never share your password, even with family and friends.
| 4. | To test your password strength, visit our Password Checker. | 5. | If you're using a shared computer, such as a computer in a school or library, whenever you log in with your Windows Live ID, make sure there is not a check next to Remember me on this computer or the Remember my password. |
For more information on how to use strong passwords, visit Strong passwords: How to create and use them. Recognize and avoid phishing scams
Phishing scams are fraudulent e-mail messages designed to steal your personal information. You may receive phishing scams that attempt to trick you into turning over your Windows Live ID or password.
3 tips on how to help avoid phishing scams For more information, see Phishing: Frequently asked questions. What to do if you receive an e-mail message that says you have reset your password
When you reset your password for your Windows Live ID, Windows Live will send you a confirmation e-mail. If you receive this e-mail, but you did not request to reset your password, you should cancel this request as it may mean someone else is trying to access your account.
Cancel password reset1. | Copy the link in the e-mail message, paste it in the address bar of your Web browser, and then press ENTER. IMPORTANT: Because fraudulent ("phishing") e-mail messages often use misleading links, Microsoft recommends that you do not click links in e-mail messages but instead copy and paste them into your browser. | 2. | Follow the instructions on the Web page that opens. |
Use Internet Explorer 7
Internet Explorer 7 includes the Phishing Filter, which helps protect you from Web fraud and personal data theft by warning or blocking you from reported phishing Web sites. Internet Explorer 7 also includes another layer of protection with sites that use Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates. The address bar should turn green to alert you that there is more information available about the Web site. The identity of the Web site owner is also displayed on the address bar.
 An EV SSL certificate not only helps ensure that communication with a Web site is secure, but also includes information about the owner of the Web site, which has been identified by the Certification Authority (CA) issuing the SSL Certificate.
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Get Phishing Filter for Internet Explorer 6 or later. Report suspicious activityIf you suspect that something is wrong, you have several different ways of reporting this information to Microsoft. | • | To report a scam, click Report Phishing Scam on the message toolbar in Windows Live Hotmail or forward the message to abuse@hotmail.com. | | • | If you believe that someone has signed in to your Windows Live account, you can change your password, reset your password, or report the issue to Windows Live Support. | | • | To change or reset your password, go to Account.live.com, select Forgot your password, and then follow the directions.
| | • | To submit questions about privacy issues, complete the Microsoft Online Privacy Feedback Form. |
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