That password you made 15 years ago and keep reusing with small changes makes you vulnerable. The number one way cyber criminals access your account is through weak passwords.
Password Managers: Simple, Secure, Smart
There is a better way to keep up with your passwords: outsource your mental energy to a password manager! Password managers can store all your personal information and generate passwords that are:
- Long: BC advises 8 to 14 characters. Longer is stronger!
- Complex/Random: Use upper and lowercase letters, and numbers. Don’t use dictionary words that are easy to guess.
- Unique: Use a different password for each account.
Additional Ways a Password Manager Helps
- Supports Multi-factor Authentication for common websites using passkeys.
- Auto fill addresses.
- Securely stores credit card information.
- Stores answers to security questions.
- Tells you when you have weak or re-used passwords.
- Automatically fills logins in websites (so even if you click a phishing link, the password manager will let you know it is not the legitimate website because auto fill will not recognize the website).
Resources
Spot the Phish Contest
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, any BC Student, Faculty, or Staff member, who reports a suspicious email to phishing@bc.edu will be entered in a raffle to win an iPad (1 entry per person). When you report a phishing or scam email to phishing@bc.edu, not only are you protecting yourself, but you are also helping BC Information Technology Services to block these malicious messages before they affect other members of the BC community.