Passwords
Establishing strong passwords on all accounts is a critical step in safeguarding personal and institutional data. In today's digital environment, weak passwords are one of the most common vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals, leading to data breaches and unauthorized access. A strong password combines length, complexity, and unpredictability, making it significantly harder for attackers to crack. At a university, where sensitive information like research data, personal records, and financial details are stored, enforcing robust password practices is essential to protect not only individual privacy but also the integrity of the entire institution’s digital ecosystem.
Policy
Tips
- Never share your passwords with others.
- Use a unique password on every site.
- A longer password is a strong password.
- Consider using phrases instead of words.
- Create random passwords that includes words that are purposefully misspelled and/or aren’t commonly associated with each other. (TurkeeB@conKanBeeTay$tee2)
- Do not include readily available personal information (birthdates, pet or kid names, anniversaries, street addresses, etc.)
- If you maintain a list of passwords, make sure that electronic copies are password protected and physical copies are locked up.Utilize a password manager application.
- Stores your passwords.
- Alerts you of duplicated or similar passwords.
- Generates strong passwords.
- Auto-fills your credentials on your personal devices.