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
Keeping Your Passwords Safe
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
- 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
- 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: