On the first Thursday of May, we celebrate World Password Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of strong password security. As our digital lives continue to grow, the need to protect our online accounts and personal information has never been more critical. Passwords act as the first line of defence against unauthorized access, yet many people still rely on weak or reused passwords, making it easier for hackers to compromise sensitive data.
This World Password Day, it's time to refresh and rethink how we manage our passwords. Whether you're protecting personal accounts or University resources, strong password practices are essential. Here’s how you can strengthen your digital security:
Do:
- Use at least 16 characters – Longer passwords are harder to crack.
- Pick random words – Combine unrelated words for a strong, memorable password. The NCSC recommends 3 random words, making it strong enough to keep the criminals out but easy enough to remember.
- Use a password manager – Tools like KeePass, Apple Keychain, or 1Password help store and generate secure unique passwords.
- Keep written passwords secure – If you must write them down, store them in a safe place.
Don't:
- Use a single word – Even uncommon words can be easily guessed.
- Re-use passwords – Keep each password unique to each account.
- Use guessable personal information – like names, birthdays, pet names, or family details, for passwords or security answers.
Additional Tips:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): You can add this most accounts adding an additional layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
- Better safe than sorry: If you think your account might’ve been compromised, go ahead and change your passwords just to be safe.
On this World Password Day, review your password practices and take simple steps to strengthen your digital security. Stay safe online!
