Password Security

Your Password is the key to your personal information

Passwords, passphrases and PINs are like keys to a lock that you use to access and protect personal information. A strong password or passphrase is what protects you from cyber criminals.

VIU Password Standards

For more information about the password standards, visit:

• How do I change my employee password?
• How do I change my student password?

How to Build a Strong Password and Keep it Secure

Longer is Stronger

• Make it at least 12 characters

Use a Passphrase 

• A mix of 3 or 4 random words that only you would think to combine then add some numbers or symbols
• For example: Mug Monitor Desk becomes Mug1Monitor2Desk1%

Use a Password Trick

• Take a memorable sentence, then capitalize certain characters and add numbers or symbols.
• For example: I like New York in June, how about you? Translates to IlNYiJhay?646

Increase Complexity

• Combine letters, case, numbers and symbols. 
• Add them to your passphrase or password trick

Use a Trusted Password Manager

• Keep your passwords somewhere safe

Common Mistakes

Passwords that are easily guessed

• Top 5 most common (and the worst) passwords of 2022 - 123456, 123456789, qwerty, Password and 12345
• Bad guys use dictionary attacks and rainbow tables (lists of already cracked passwords) to guess your password

Passwords that use personal information

• Bad guys rely on readily available or easily guessed information

Passwords that are too short

• Remember - Longer Is Stronger

Passwords that are re-used

• Make each password unique. If the bad guys find out one password you don't want them getting into all your accounts

Passwords that are shared

• Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER share your password with anyone
• The Service Desk will never ask you for your password

How to Keep Your Password Secure

Don't fall for Phishing Scams

• STOP, THINK, and then ACT.

Test the strength of your password

• PasswordMonster will tell you how long your password would take to crack. Your password is never stored on the site.
• Mug1Monitor2Desk1% would take 2 thousand years to crack
• IlNYiJhay?646 would take 17 thousand years to crack

Use 2-Step Verification (2SV) where possible

• This is a combination of something you have, something you know or something you are
• For example your bank card (have) and your PIN (know)
• VIU is working to roll out 2SV but there are many places that already have it available

Looking for more information?

• How to Create a Secure Password
• How strong is your password? Five ways to evaluate
• Passphrases, passwords and PINs
• The 7 red flags of phishing