As we dive into a new semester, take a moment to review the Missouri State University policy on passwords, and tips on how to keep your information secure.
Per university policy, all passwords must:
- Never be shared
- Have at least eight characters
- Be changed at least every 120 days
- Not be a repeat of your previous password
- Contain at least three of the following:
- Symbol ($, !, *, etc.)
- Number
- Upper case letter
- Lower case letter
Although the following tips are not policy, taking these additional steps will insure you have an iron clad password:
- Avoid common words: Hackers use programs that can try every word in the dictionary.
- If you need to keep track of multiple passwords, write them down and store them in a locked drawer or other secured area – avoid storing a list of passwords on your computer in a word document.
- Switch up your password significantly when prompted – simply adding or deleting one character to your previous password will leave you much more vulnerable.
- Using a combination of phrases and symbols will result in the most secure password. Here are some examples:
- ilovemypiano = ILov3MyPi@no
- jellyfish = J3lly22Fish
- ihateliverandonions = 1Hat3Liver@Onions!
Remember – your password can never be too secure. Next time you are prompted to change your MSU password, take a few extra seconds to protect your personal information and follow these suggestions.
By Addie Padgett, Information Security Graduate Assistant
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