Embracing the Passphrase
As you read in the recent email, IT has given employees the gift of no longer requiring a password change every 60 days. In this blog post, we’ll recap the steps to ensure you have a secure passphrase and how to avoid it being compromised.
Tips for Secure Password Use and Management
Do not use your College email address or password for your personal online accounts or services
Consider using a password manager to securely store each of your unique passwords
Use a strong, unique passphrase instead of a commonly used password
Make sure you have a secondary factor enabled in two-factor authentication
What is a Passphrase?
A passphrase is similar to a password but is usually longer and contains several words and characters strung together. It's meant to be easier to remember and harder for others to guess.
Tips to help you create a passphrase:
Choose a Theme or Idea: Start with a concept or idea that's meaningful to you. This could be a line from your favorite book, a lyric from a song, a memorable quote, or even a series of random, connected words. The idea should resonate with you but not be widely known or easily guessed.
Mix It Up: To enhance security, incorporate a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, if your base phrase is "QuietMorningDew," you could modify it to "Qui3tM0rn!ngDew".
Length Matters: Longer passphrases are typically more secure. Aim for at least 12-15 characters. This can be a series of simple, connected words that are easy to remember yet hard for others to guess.
Memorable but Not Obvious: Choose something that is easy for you to recall but not straightforward for others to figure out. Avoid easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common phrases.
Test It Out: Before finalizing your passphrase, type it several times to ensure it's not too difficult for you to remember or enter. If it feels too complex, consider adjusting it slightly.
For more information about passphrases or other password related topics, visit passwords.fscj.edu. If you need help or forgotten your password, call the Technical Service Desk at 904-632-3151 or submit a ticket at help.fscj.edu.
