← ← ←
Back to
Basics

Passwords are the first line of defense between your confidential information and those trying to steal it. 

This week, get back to basics by making sure your passwords are appropriately complex, difficult to guess, and easy to remember. 

Using a passphrase is a good way to add complexity to your passwords that help make them easy to remember and harder to hack. 

When using passphrases, avoid song lyrics or information easily found on your social media account. For example, Mary had a little lamb, I love the Wildcats, and WeAllLiveOnAYellowSubmarine are examples of types of passphrases to avoid. 

A nonsensical passphrase is best. For example, if your dog’s name is Blue and you were born in North Carolina, use BLUE NC as the basis for your passphrase to create: BoyLovesUncleEd NotClara.

Thumbs Up…

I use sufficiently complex passwords


I use a unique password for all my accounts


I can remember my passwords or I use a password manager


I keep my passwords confidential

Thumbs Down…

I increment my password to help me remember (wildcat01, wildcat02)

I use personal or website information in the password (GoSchoolMascot!, MyName&Birthday, MyApplePW2022)

I share passwords among multiple accounts

I have a file on my computer with all my passwords

Need to update your Davidson password?