Password Management

Quick wins to elevate your passwords playbook.

Passwords tips

In the digital era, where our lives are intertwined with countless online accounts, creating strong and unique passwords is paramount for safeguarding our digital security. Weak or reused passwords pose significant risks, potentially leading to data breaches, identity theft, and financial loss. Here's why you need strong and unique passwords, along with examples to inspire your password creation:

Why Strong and Unique Passwords Matter

  1. Defense Against Brute-Force Attacks: Hackers employ automated tools that systematically guess passwords. Strong passwords with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters make it exponentially harder for attackers to crack your password through brute force.
  2. Protection from Dictionary Attacks: Attackers use pre-existing dictionaries to guess common passwords. Unique passwords, unrelated to common words or phrases, thwart dictionary attacks, making it more challenging for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.
  3. Mitigation of Credential Stuffing: Reusing passwords across multiple accounts invites trouble. If one account is compromised, attackers can exploit reused passwords to access other accounts. Unique passwords for each account prevent credential stuffing attacks, minimizing the potential damage.

Tips for Creating Strong and Unique Passwords

  1. Length Matters: Aim for passwords with a minimum of 12 characters. Longer passwords are harder to crack.
  2. Mix Character Types: Incorporate a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., !@#$%^&*) to increase complexity and make passwords more secure.
  3. Avoid Personal Information: Don't include easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or pet's name in your passwords. Personal details can be readily accessible to attackers.
  4. Avoid Common Password Patterns: Steer clear of simple patterns like "123456" or "password." These are among the most commonly used and easily guessable passwords.

Example Passwords for Inspiration

  1. Strong and Complex: W!nP#5a2Z9@Q
  2. Passphrase-Based: ToInfinityAndBeyond!
  3. Sentence-Based: Ienjoyexploringnewadventures!
  4. Acronym-Based: R2D2ytcuN@ (R2-D2, "May the force be with you.")

Remember, these are just examples. It's essential to create unique passwords based on your own preferences and by following the guidelines mentioned above.

Reusing passwords across multiple accounts poses significant dangers to your online security. Here's why you should avoid this risky practice:

  1. Increased Vulnerability: If one account is compromised, reused passwords allow attackers easy access to other accounts, putting your digital identity at risk.
  2. Credential Stuffing Attacks: Automated tools can exploit reused passwords, leading to unauthorized access across multiple platforms.
  3. Financial and Professional Consequences: Password reuse can result in financial fraud, reputational damage, and even legal repercussions.

Protect yourself with these best practices:

  1. Unique Passwords: Create distinct passwords for each account, using a combination of characters.
  2. Password Manager: Utilize a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
  3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible for an additional layer of security.

By avoiding password reuse and following these guidelines, you can mitigate the risks associated with compromised accounts and bolster your online security.

Using a password manager offers significant advantages over relying on memory for managing your passwords. Here's why it's a better choice:

  1. Enhanced Security: Password managers create strong, unique passwords that are difficult to crack, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. They also protect against password reuse, minimizing the impact of data breaches.
  2. Convenience and Efficiency: Password managers simplify password management by automatically filling in credentials, saving time and reducing errors. They securely sync passwords across devices, ensuring accessibility from anywhere.
  3. Additional Features: Password managers provide password strength analysis, secure sharing, and password change assistance, bolstering your overall security and providing peace of mind.

Switch to a password manager for stronger security, effortless management, and added features that enhance your online experience. The University of Melbourne offers a FREE Premium LastPass license for all current students and staff. Find out more.

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is crucial when using a password manager for enhanced security and protection. MFA adds an extra layer of defense by requiring multiple factors to verify your identity, reducing the risk of unauthorised access. Benefits of enabling MFA include:

  1. Enhanced Security: MFA adds an extra layer of protection, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts, even if your password is compromised.
  2. Protection Against Breaches: MFA mitigates the risks of password breaches by preventing unauthorized logins, even with leaked passwords.
  3. Phishing Attack Prevention: MFA thwarts phishing attempts as attackers would need an additional factor, reducing the likelihood of successful compromises.
  4. Flexibility and Convenience: Password managers offer various MFA methods, allowing you to choose what works best for you while maintaining security.

To enable MFA, choose a reputable password manager with MFA support, follow their instructions to set it up, and register trusted devices for a smoother authentication experience.

Additional resources

Creating passphrases

  • If you need further inspiration on how to create passphrases that are secure and unique, check out the ACSCs guide to get you started.

Have I been Pwned?

  • HaveIBeenPwned is an invaluable resource for individuals whose passwords have been breached. It provides a comprehensive database of known data breaches and compromised accounts, allowing users to check if their credentials have been compromised. By promptly alerting users to breaches, it empowers them to take immediate action, such as changing passwords and enhancing their online security. Its transparency and commitment to privacy make it a trusted and reliable tool for anyone concerned about the security of their personal information.