Hacks often come about as a result of cracked or stolen passwords. Using computers with strong processing power and password cracking dictionaries, criminals can quickly uncover weak passwords. As such, it’s crucial that you choose a strong and different password for each of your accounts. Strong passwords consist of at least 12 characters and must also meet certain other requirements. Make sure to change your passwords annually and never reuse them! You can use a password manager to help you create and remember your passwords.
A strong password for your UvAnetID meets the following requirements:
This way, if a cybercriminal manages to crack one of your passwords, they won’t automatically be able to access more than one of your accounts.
Using computers with strong processing power and password cracking dictionaries – which list the most commonly used passwords – cybercriminals can uncover weak passwords quickly and easily. These cracking dictionaries also list the most common replacements of letters with special characters, such as using @ or 4 instead of the letter A. This allows cybercriminals to test thousands, if not millions, of passwords on an account in no time at all.
Generating and remembering all those password phrases can be demanding on your memory. If you use a password managerExternal link, you’ll only need to create and remember a single strong password, as this piece of software can generate new strong passwords for you.
Examples of password managers include 1password, bitwarden, dashlane and keepass. Bitwarden can be used for free.
Cybercriminals often have access to databases with passwords obtained from hacks. That’s why it’s very important that you change your passwords regularly. The website haveibeenpwnedExternal link allows you to check whether you’ve been affected by a particular hack or data breach. If you’ve indeed been affected, make sure to change your password immediately and consider using two-factor authentication.
For optimal security, you shouldn’t rely solely on a strong password, but you should also use two-factor authentication, which is essentially adding another lock to the door. Read about how to set up two-factor authentication for social mediaExternal link.
Last but not least, never share your passwords with anyone else. Sharing your UvAnetID password with others is strictly prohibited!