In today’s digital learning environment, protecting your online identity is more important than ever. On National Password Day—observed the first Thursday of May—we’re reminded that strong passwords are a critical defense against cyber threats on campus and beyond.
Here are a few essential tips to help you stay secure in 2025 and beyond:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account
Reusing passwords is like using the same key for every door—it only takes one breach to unlock everything. Instead, use different, complex passwords for each account. A good rule of thumb is at least 12 characters, including a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. - Make It a Passphrase
A passphrase is a string of random, memorable words like “BlueTigerLibrary#99”—easy for you to remember, but tough for attackers to guess. Avoid personal information like birthdays or campus landmarks. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of protection, even if your password is compromised. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop unauthorized access. - Use a Password Manager
Whether you’re managing class logins, departmental tools, or cloud services, a password manager helps you store and generate strong, unique passwords with ease. Many universities offer free or discounted password managers for the campus community.
On this National Password Day, take a few minutes to review your accounts, update weak passwords, and turn on MFA where available. Small steps make a big difference in keeping your data safe.