Hello Ichabods, and welcome back for another semester!
As we enter this next semester, it is important to remember good computer security. One fundamental aspect of maintaining robust computer security is regularly changing your passwords. Additionally, using unique passwords for each of your accounts and opting for memorable passphrases can significantly enhance your protection against cyber threats. Here's why these practices are essential and how you can implement them effectively.
Why Regular Password Changes Matter
Hackers are continually developing new methods to compromise online accounts. Even with the most sophisticated security systems in place, data breaches occur frequently. When your password remains unchanged for extended periods, it becomes more vulnerable to being cracked, guessed, or stolen. Regularly updating your passwords can mitigate the risks associated with compromised credentials, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
Avoiding Password Reuse: A Crucial Step
Many people fall into the habit of using the same password across multiple accounts for the sake of convenience. While this might save time and effort, it poses a significant security risk. If one of your accounts is compromised, hackers can use the same password to gain access to your other accounts, amplifying the damage. Ensuring each account has a unique password effectively contains the potential fallout from any single security breach, protecting your broader digital footprint.
The Case for Passphrases
A passphrase is a sequence of words or a sentence that is longer and often easier to remember than a complex password composed of random characters and is now recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Passphrases provide a robust layer of security due to their length and complexity. For example, a passphrase like “SunnyDaysAreGreatForHiking!” is both memorable and secure. The added length makes it more resistant to brute-force attacks while maintaining ease of recall.
Tips for Creating Strong Passphrases
- Length and Complexity: The longer, the better, so be sure to use at least 15 characters when choosing your passphrase. Passphrases are currently required to be at least 10 characters long, with at least one uppercase character (A-Z), one numeric character (0-9), and one special character (!, $, #, or %). This can, and will change, in the near future.
- Use a Sentence: Think of a sentence that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Steer clear of common sayings or easily guessable information such as birthdays or names. Unique and personal phrases are more secure. Perhaps a favorite book passage, or a funny thing your favorite professor said.
- Mix It Up: Another strategy is to combine unrelated words or concepts to create a passphrase that is both unique and memorable, such as “PurpleElephantsDanceAtMidnight$#”.
Implementing Best Practices
- Regular Updates: Set a reminder to change your passwords periodically, such as every three to six months or before and after a semester. This routine ensures that even if your passwords are compromised, the window of opportunity for hackers remains limited.
- Unique Passwords for Every Account: Use different passwords for different accounts. This practice prevents a single compromised account from jeopardizing your entire digital presence.
- Password Managers: Consider using a password manager to generate, store, and manage your passwords. These tools can create complex passwords and remember them for you, eliminating the hassle of manual tracking. A few recommendations: Bitwarden, KeePass, or Dashlane are excellent options.
- Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Washburn uses Duo to enforce multifactor authentication. All Washburn staff and faculty are already required to use Duo when accessing their email and other sensitive information. Soon, all students this fall semester will also be required to use Duo as well. Stay tuned. If you wish to opt-in ahead of time, contact User Services at support@washburn.edu or 785-670-3000.
Conclusion
Protecting your online accounts is paramount to maintaining your digital security. Regularly changing your passwords, avoiding password reuse, using memorable passphrases, and opting into MFA whenever possible, are effective strategies to safeguard your information. By adopting these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and ensure a safer online experience. Prioritize your security today and take proactive steps to strengthen your defenses against cyber threats.
Stay vigilant!