All WSU employees use passwords to some degree. Figuring out a password can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. That’s why 123456 is still one of the most common passwords used and cyber attackers know it. Cyber attackers have a dictionary of common passwords, and if you’re using one of them, you’re an easy target.
Three major factors to keep your password safe:
- Use longer passphrases
- Have a unique password for each account
- Use two-factor authentication
The more characters your password has, the stronger it is. Consider using a phrase, something like, “I_like_crimson_houses” or an unrelated group of words like, “desk-balloon-beach-dog.” Long passphrases are stronger and easier to remember and type.
Per, BPPM 87.05 It is the responsibility of each account holder to keep their authentication credentials secret. You must not share or transfer your authentication credentials to others.
Passwords at home must be different than your passwords at work; that way, if one account is compromised, your other accounts are safe.
See Changing Passwords ITS site for more information and helpful tips.
If you think your password has been compromised or stolen, change your password immediately and contact abuse@wsu.edu.
