TO: All Employees, All Seawolves
FR: Evan Ferguson, Chief Technology Officer and Information Security Officer
Are you ready to level up your cybersecurity game? It’s time to power up those passwords! Here at Sonoma State University, we’re all about keeping our digital campus safe and secure. Let’s dive into some fun tips on how you can create strong, unique passwords and keep them fresh.
Be the Password Hero
Think of your password as your personal superhero costume – unique, strong, and impossible to crack! Here’s how to create one:
- Length is Strength: Aim for at least 12 characters. The longer, the better! Take advantage of free password generators which are available online.
- Mix It Up: Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like @, #, $, &).
- Avoid the Obvious: Stay away from easy-to-guess passwords like “password123” or “Seawolf2024”. Avoid using birth dates, SSNs, and contact numbers in password combinations.
- Go Random: Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. It’s like having a digital butler for your passwords! Avoid storing passwords on Google password manager/emails/notepads/
notepad++ or any other note-taking app as it is visible in plaintext.
Remember, But Don’t Reuse
- Unique for All: Each account should have a different password. That way, if one gets compromised, the others remain safe.
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Passphrase Fun: Create a passphrase using a memorable sentence and mix in some creativity. Example: “MyDogRexLoves2PlayInThePark!”
Time for a Change
- Regular Updates: Change your passwords every few months. Set a reminder so you won’t forget!
- New Season, New Passwords: Think of it like a seasonal refresh. Spring cleaning for your digital life!
Join the Challenge
As part of Campus Safety Week, We’re launching a Password Hero Challenge! Update your SSU Online Services password this week and enter for a chance to win some awesome tech gear.
You can use the following steps to reset your SSU password:
- Navigate to the SSU homepage.
- Click on the Login link.
- Click on the "Username & Password Help" link.
- Click on "Change Password" if you remember your most recent password; otherwise click on "Get Username & Set Password" and fill in the requested information.
Let’s make our digital campus as safe as our beautiful university grounds. Together, we can fend off cybervillains and keep our information secure.
Stay safe, stay savvy, and keep those passwords strong, Seawolves!