It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and NCU’s cybersecurity experts are here with a few tips for safe activities online and on your phone. Special thanks to Frank Appunn, Program Lead - Master of Science Cybersecurity.
Much better passwords that you can remember.
Tough passwords for computers can be easier for people. Example: bicyclenailhousebaby
- Use random words not associated with you specifically that can represent an image that you can remember for each required password.
- If required, sprinkle in any capitals, numbers, or symbols; however, that can be a regular pattern: ^9Fbicyclenailhousebaby
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Too many passwords?
Never reuse passwords and make them difficult for computers and hackers. However, you might have too many to remember them properly.
- Do not trust your browser to store important passwords.
- Use a password app that supports your computers and other devices.
- For personal use, many are free.
- Search for “password manager” and select one with a good rating that covers all of your devices and has an acceptable price (many are free).
- Use an extra-difficult password for computers to protect your password manager, it is the only one you will need! (See our “better passwords that you can remember” tip above.)
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Nothing is free.
Anything that is free cannot afford to remain good because maintaining apps is very expensive.
- Free things will sell your information or make use of your information.
- Many apps sell your data or run services for others to get access to you.
- Most of the biggest free apps not linked to your purchases make money by advertising to you, using your data for selection.
- Yes, the password manager is free – they hope to sell premium products to you or your company.
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Are you happy to be sold? If not, go elsewhere.
All of your data will disappear soon
Computer data on your devices should be safe for 2 to 6 years. In the cloud it may take a little longer before you or someone else makes a mistake.
- Keep a backup that is not connected to your computer. Example: An external drive not on connected to your network.
- Store it on a specialize cloud service but (a) understand how it works and (b) follow the directions without the smallest mistake or omission.
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