The basics
Use a different password for every account. If one account is breached, your other accounts stay safe.
Long is better than complex. A passphrase made of three or four random words beats a short password with symbols swapped in. For example, purple bicycle elephant window is stronger and easier to remember than P@ssw0rd!123.
Never share your password. No SCU department will ever ask you for it. If someone does, it is a scam.
Create a strong passphrase
- Pick three or four unrelated words. Avoid song lyrics, names, and dates.
- Join them with spaces or a separator you will remember.
- Make it at least 14 characters long.
- Use a password manager so you do not have to remember it.
Use a password manager
A password manager stores all your passwords and fills them in for you. You only remember one master password.
- Bitwarden — free, works on phone and desktop.
- Built-in — most phones and browsers (iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, Chrome) have one already.
Changing your SCU password
If you need to change your SCU password, go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info and select Password.
If you think your password has been stolen, change it immediately and contact the Technology Services Service Desk.
What to avoid
- Reusing passwords across accounts
- Using personal details (name, birthday, address)
- Short passwords under 12 characters
- Writing passwords on sticky notes
- Saving passwords in unencrypted files
Tips and passwords are Lockie's favourite topic. Lockie keeps a different passphrase for every account — do you?