Passwords Matter

The Tip

Passwords are our first line of defence in cybersecurity. So why do so many of us have bad password habits? Who knows. It just seems to be human nature. Readily available hacker scripts can guess most bad passwords in seconds, just by shear brute force. A couple of basics can greatly enhance your cybersecurity.

The Detail

Here are some things to consider in choosing and using passwords;

• Any simple dictionary word, a pet’s name, any variation of your birthdate, a movie title, etc are all trivial to crack.
• Many systems might generate a default password for you based on some combination of your name or birthdate or start date when first creating your account. Reset these default passwords immediately. They are meant to be temporary.
• Is your password on this list? Change it immediately.
• What makes a good password? It might be a passphrase.
• Never use the same password on multiple services. It’s easier than you think to manage good and unique passwords.
• Did you know you can manage your own Nipissing password here https://mypassword.nipissingu.ca

Special Bonus Tip

The theme for week 4 of Cybersecurity month is Our critical eye and the internet. According to Media Smarts, Digital Literacy is more than technological know-how; it includes a wide variety of ethical, social and reflective practices that are embedded in work, learning, leisure and daily life.