Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Password Tips

Passwords are the keys to your digital castle. Just as you'd want to keep your house keys safe, you should do everything possible to protect your passwords. Throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month, October,
The University of Scranton Information Security Office offers tips and recommendations to stay safe online.

Creating, storing, and remembering passwords can be a pain for all of us online, but the truth is that passwords are the first line of defense against cybercriminals and data breaches. Also, it has never been easier to maintain passwords with free, simple-to-use password managers. With a few moments of forethought today, you can stay safe online for years to come.

Choose Long, unique, complex Passwords

No matter what accounts they protect, all passwords should be created with these three guiding principles in mind:

• Long - Passwords should be at least 12 characters long.
  
  
• Unique-Each account needs to be protected with a unique password. Never reuse passwords. This way, if one accounts is compromised, other accounts remain secure. Consider that unique means not just changing one character or adding a "2" at the end. To really halt hackers, none of your passwords should look alike.
  
  
• Complex - Each unique password should be a combination of upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and special characters (like >,!?). Again, remember that each password should be at least 12 characters long. Some websites and apps will even let you include spaces.

Consider using a password manager to make this easier. It can securely generate and store strong, complex passwords for every account-so you don't have to remember them all or reuse the same one twice.Need help? The University community is welcome to contact the Technology Support Center: x4357 or [email protected]