Strengthen your passwords
There are two simple ways to strengthen your passwords: create passphrases and use a password manager.
Create passphrases
We recommend you strengthen your passwords by changing them to ‘passphrases’.
A passphrase is usually longer and less predictable than a password. It contains 3 or 4 unrelated words, and it can prevent cyber criminals from getting into your account. Passphrases are easy for you to remember and harder for others to guess.
A strong passphrase is:
- long (the longer the better!),
- unpredictable (try to choose random words, and don’t use words that are specific to you), and
- unique (use different passphrases for different accounts).
‘Crystalonionclaypretzel’ is an example of a strong passphrase.
Remember to keep your passphrases unique: using the same password for multiple online accounts places you at a serious risk. Multiple accounts can become accessible if hackers obtain your passphrase.
Update your Deakin password to a new passphrase now
Learn more about passphrases on the Australian Cyber Security website
Use a password manager
A password manager is a program that securely stores all your passwords and enters them automatically for you.
Using a password manager makes it easier for you to use longer and more complex passwords and not have to rely on your memory. It also supports you to make unique passwords for all your accounts.
There are many password managers available that are affordable and suitable for students.
Learn more about password managers on the Australian Cyber Security website