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MCC Daily Tribune

Tech Tip: Passwords Best Practices

You should safeguard your passwords like you do the keys to your car or home. If you post your password where it can easily be found (under your keyboard, saved in a browser), it is like leaving the keys in your unlocked car in a shopping mall parking lot. Don’t be careless with your passwords! Safeguard your accounts!

  • NEVER save your passwords in a browser
  • Don’t reuse passwords – that includes just adding a different number at the end
  • Never share your credentials with anyone for any reason. Helpdesk staff will NEVER ask you for your password.
  • One password = one software program/site
  • Opt in for multi-factor authentication when offered
  • Do not include any personal information (e.g. name or birthdate) in your password
  • Use passphrases -- think ‘easy to remember, hard to guess’
    • for example: ‘Iloveshopping’ or ‘MyfirstcarwasaFord’
    • use numbers/special characters/upper case as required--for example: 1Lovesh0pping+

Password Managers

Consider using a password manager where you can generate and save all your passwords (and online security questions depending on the manager). You will then have ONE password to remember that provides access to all of the others. So, it better be a good one!

Here are some reputable articles that review password managers:

Ann Penwarden
Computing & Information Technology Services
02/15/2022