Defend Your Data: Strong passwords matter

Password-related breaches remain one of the most common cybersecurity threats, so using a strong password is important to secure both your WVU Login account and the personal accounts you use. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Information Technology Services recommends keeping these tips in mind when creating a password or passphrase for your WVU Login and personal accounts:

• Longer is stronger. WVU Login passwords must be at least 12 characters, which is a good start, but 16 characters is better.

• One of a kind. Each account needs its own unique password. Never reuse your WVU Login password for personal, non-University accounts, and never share it or write it down.

• Hard to guess. Use a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols. If you need to memorize a password, create a memorable “passphrase” of five to seven unrelated words. Get creative with spelling and/or add numbers or symbols.

Even with the rise of passwordless authentication, passwords aren’t going away anytime soon. The average person now manages more than 100 passwords, and too many still reuse the same ones across multiple accounts. A password manager is a great tool to help you manage passwords for your personal accounts. These apps generate strong, unique passwords and store them securely, so you only need to remember one master password. Popular options include 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass, and Keeper. Create a long, memorable passphrase for your master password and never write it down.

In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, learn more about keeping your data secure.