In the digital age, your passwords are your first line of defense against online threats. Yet, many of us still rely on weak and easily guessable passwords. It’s like locking your front door but leaving the key under the mat. In this article, we’ll provide you with practical tips to strengthen your password security without overwhelming you. Let’s get started on the path to safeguarding your online accounts.
The good news is that creating and storing strong passwords with the help of a password manager is one of the easiest ways to protect ourselves from someone logging into our accounts and stealing sensitive information, data, money, or even our identities.
K-State Passwords
K-State has specific requirements for passwords. See the Password FAQs page for all the details.
General Password Tips
To create a strong password, follow these tips.
- Make them long – At least 15 characters—longer is stronger!
- Make them complex – Create a memorable phrase of 5 – 7 unrelated words using a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols. To improve it, get creative with spelling and/or add a number or symbol.
- Make them unique – Use a different strong password for each account.
Use a Password Manager
Remembering long, random, unique passwords for every account is impossible. Rather than write them down, use a password manager, an easy-to-use program that stores all your passwords. Password managers tell us when we have weak or re-used passwords, and many of them can offer to generate strong passwords. They can also automatically fill logins into sites and apps as we move from one to another.
You only need to remember one strong password—the one for the password manager itself.
There are many password managers to choose from. Some are free, like the built-in password managers in your web browser, and some cost money. Search a trusted source for “password managers,” like Consumer Reports, which offers a selection of highly rated password managers. Read reviews to compare options and find a reputable program that works for you.
When you use a password manager, you are much more likely to use a unique, strong password on every site. And that makes it much harder for someone to steal your valuable information!
