In today's digital age, making sure your account is of utmost importance. Your password is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your personal information, be it your email, social media accounts, work account, and online banking. By following these simple steps, you will be able to significantly enhance the security of your passwords and protect yourself from potential cyber threats.
Create Strong and Unique Passwords:
Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords like "123456" or "password". Instead create strong passwords that are a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, avoid using easily obtainable information like your birthday or name. Typically you will want your password to be longer then 12 characters.
Use Different Passwords for Each Account:
Reusing passwords across multiple accounts is a risky practice. If one of your accounts is compromised, it could lead to a domino effect, potentially putting all your other accounts at risk. Create unique passwords for each online account to minimize the impact of a potential security breach.
Consider Passphrases:
A passphrase is a longer sequence of words or a sentence that is easier for you to remember but challenging for others to guess. For example, "I_Love_Brockport_2023!" is a strong passphrase that combines complexity and personal relevance.
The best passphrase practices include:
- Using an easy to remember but uncommon group of four to eight words.
- Add spaces within and between words.
- Use capital letters or capitalize certain words.
- Add punctuation and special characters that make sense to the user but no one else.
- Use unusual or abbreviated spellings of words.
- Make some letters into numbers.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
Most online services offer or even require multi-factor authentication, which will add an extra layer of security. MFA typically requires you to enter a verification code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This way, even if someone does guess your password, they will not be able to access your account.
By implementing these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your online accounts and protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Remember, a strong and secure password is a vital step towards ensuring a safer online experience.
If you need further assistance, please submit a ticket here: I Need Help, or call the IT Service Desk at (585) 395-5151 Option 1