As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month for October 2023, Technology Services is reaching out to help the campus community boost our online safety and enhance our collective digital security.

With countless headlines about data breaches, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s helpful to remember that by simply following basic cybersecurity practices, you can effectively protect your data.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023, we will emphasize these practices:

• Week 1: Use robust passwords and consider a password manager.
• Week 2: Enable 2-Step Verification (Multi-Factor Authentication).
• Week 3: Be alert to phishing and report suspicious activity.
• Week 4: Regularly update your software.

Week One Highlight: Strong Passwords
Passwords are essential to your online safety. Think of them as the keys to your digital home and ensure they're as secure as possible. Combining strong passwords with features like 2-step Verification (Multi-Factor Authentication) can further enhance security.

Creating and remembering passwords can be tedious, but they remain vital in guarding against cyber threats. Password managers can simplify this process, by offering a convenient way to manage and update your passwords.

When crafting a password, keep these principles in mind:

• Length - Use at least 12 characters.
• Uniqueness - Create a distinct password for every account to prevent a breach in one from compromising others. Never reuse a password or create them to look alike.
• Complexity - Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Some sites and applications allow the use of spaces, which is helpful.

Should you change passwords regularly?
If your passwords adhere to the guidelines mentioned above, you won't need to change them as frequently — unless there's a potential breach or unauthorized access. Continuously changing passwords can inadvertently lead to weaker ones. This advice aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's guidance.

Struggling to remember all your passwords?
As our online footprint grows, so does our list of passwords. Relying on a single password for multiple accounts is risky. One breach can potentially jeopardize all your accounts. Password managers provide a user-friendly solution, ensuring each has a unique, strong password. You remember just one master password to gain access to all your stored passwords.

Stay safe and be proactive in your online practices.