Password Protection Tips

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What is a Password?

  • A password is a secret word or phrase that must be used to gain admission to something; a string of characters that allows access to a computer system or service
  • A pass-phrase provides stronger protection

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Keeping Your Passwords Safe

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Create complex password hints. Try a sentence/acronym that only applies to you and is random.

Example: My first job was at 1567 third street and I was a computer engineer   =mfjw@1567tsaiwace

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Change passwords when necessary; rather than changing every 90 days, change your password less frequently, and change the entire password.

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Use a password manager (e.g., Dashlane, LastPass, RememBear); these store complex, strong passwords for all your accounts and save you the time it takes to type a long password.

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Install antivirus software (e.g., BitDefender, Symantec, MalwareBytes); this helps protect the computer from unauthorized code or software that creates a threat to the system.

Why Protect Passwords?

  • We use passwords, in conjunction with username/email address, to access important information
  • A strong password provides essential protection from financial fraud, identity theft, etc
  • Passwords are highly sought-after by malicious attackers
  • Treat passwords as very sensitive data

Dos and Dont's of Password Protection

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  • Make passwords long and complex, yet memorable; create passphrases for more security
  • Make passwords with combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols
  • Make passwords at least 15 characters long; the longer the password, the harder it is to guess
  • Store passwords in a password vault (e.g., Dashlane, LastPass, RememBear)
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication wherever possible

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  • Make short passwords; most systems require a certain length and complexity for security
  • Make passwords easily guessable (i.e., don’t use part of your name or your birthday)
  • Share your password
  • Write your password down; written passwords can be lost or stolen
  • Reuse passwords; each account needs a different password
  • Give your password away; don’t fall victim to phishing attacks

Resources

For more tips on cyber safety, please review these additional resources:

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