Information Technology Services > Cyber Security > Password Safety

Password Safety

Your computer password is your first and best line of defense against cyber criminals and helps keeps the NSU network safer. You may change your password at any time but we are currently recommending that you change it every 90 days.

Changing Your Password

How to Make a Strong Password

Protect Your NSU Password

Resources

Introducing Pass Phrases

Length is critical in creating a strong password. Now, with longer character allowances, you can use a pass phrase.

Pass phrases allow correctly spelled dictionary words to safely be incorporated into the password creation process. This will allow users to create longer memorable pass phrases to protect their identity and data!

Many password managers will now allow blank spaces to be used to create phrases.

Password example:

4SkoR&7yrs@go - GOOD

Pass Phrase example:

How-old-is-your-3rd-kangaroo? - BETTER

How to Make a Strong Password

What is important?

Password should be easy to remember and hard to guess.

Passwords should NOT be based on personal information that is easily guessed.

Do NOT use unaltered words that can be found in a dictionary.

DO NOT use the same password for multiple accounts! Use unique passwords for different systems.

Tips for creating a strong password: Use at least 12 characters that include upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.

Use a phrase to help you remember.

Four score and seven years ago (from the Gettysburg Address) becomes 4SkoR&7yrs@go.

Symbols that are commonly allowed include:! “ # $ % & ‘ ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? { \ } [ ^ ] _

Substitute numbers for letters. Examples: A-4, I-1, and E-3

You can also use a phrase or lyric and use the first letter of each word to create an easy to remember password. Use some of the substitution ideas from above to make it even harder to hack.

In day of old, when ships were bold just like the men who sailed them - Adam Ant

This would be ID0owSwBjltMwSt* and this password hit 1 trillion years on the How Secure Is My Password site.

You can say the whole phrase in your head while you type and it will still be a total mystery to anyone else. Easy and easy to remember!

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Resources

The Password Meter

This meter shows the strength of a password in percentage format and list the metrics use to determine that percentage.

How Secure is My Password

This meter shows password strength based on how long it would take to hack a password. This demonstration reveals the real need to have length in a password.

Note: Do not enter your password. Test a similar or random password.

Protect Your NSU Password

Never share your password with anyone.This includes co-workers, work-study students, and in emails or phone calls soliciting your personal information.

Change your password if you think there is even a chance it has been compromised.

Use a unique password that is not similar to other account passwords. If your passwords are the same or similar it is easy for hackers to gain access to all of your accounts. Thwart them with every keystroke!

Changing Your Password

Changing your password is easy.

Cr3@t3 your new strong password and go to Password Manager.

The image above shows the Password Manager page. You will need either your Banner ID, which is your N#, or your Social Security number. Then enter your birthday and last name. Finally, you will need to prove you are not a Bot by typing in the alpha-numeric code in the box below your last name.

Password Manager will walk you through changing your Password.

Password Manage will tell you if you use a symbol that is not allowed. If you have one of these make the necessary adjustment and re-enter your new password.

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