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Your password is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your personal accounts. By following these simple steps, you will enhance the security of your passwords and protect yourself from potential cyber threats.
Create Strong Passwords:
Choose a password that is hard for others to guess. Avoid common passwords like "123456" or dictionary words like "password." Never use personal information such as your name or birthday that can be found by an attacker online. To make it almost impossible to crack, use a password that is at least 14 characters long and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Passphrases are Better Passwords:
A passphrase is a long sequence of words that's easier for you to remember but challenging for attackers to guess.
Elements of a Strong Passphrase
- An easy to remember but uncommon group of four to eight words.
- Spaces within and between words.
- Capital letters or capitalize certain words.
- Added punctuation and special characters that make sense to the user but no one else.
- Unusual or abbreviated spellings of words.
- Some letters converted into numbers.
Examples
The following examples combine both complexity and personal relevance
- I_Love_Brockport_2023!
- Who's prePPed for f@ll? Me!
- W0rk1n6 out 'ery Day!
Make Your Passwords Unique
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.
To keep track of your different passwords use a password manager.
Other Options
Enabling the following features will make your account even more secure.
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. With your account secured by MFA, 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.
Passkeys
Passkeys are a more secure alternative to passwords that let you sign in using a fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN. Because there is no password to remember or type, passkeys are easier to use and much harder for attackers to steal. Many websites and apps now support passkeys as a safer and more convenient way to log in.
Need Help?
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