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Why strong, unique passwords are important

With all the recent news of widespreadcorporate security breaches, creating a unique password for each of your accounts can be paramount in ensuring that if your password gets stolen, it cannot be used to gain access to your other accounts.

Hackers are cunning creatures, always on the lookout for security vulnerabilities, and weak or stolen passwords remain their primary point of entry.If you useyourpasswordfor multiple accounts(even if you have the longest, strongest password in the world),you are putting yourself at risk for a significant hack ifjustoneof the services you subscribe to experiences a security breach.

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Let’s say you use your McGill password to log in to Facebook as well. If Facebook experiences a security breach and user credentials are compromised (which has occurred multiple times), this not only makes your Facebook data vulnerable, butallaccounts that use your McGill password.

Picture this:

  1. Hackers obtain your password from Facebook.
  2. They log into your account and now have access toeverythingyou share.
  3. If you have listed your workplace, as many of us do, guess where the hacker is going to attack next?

Facebook profile

Now your personal data, as well as McGill protected data has been compromised. It’s that simple!

Just imagine thedamagethat could ensue if you use the same password for your bank, email, and other social accounts. Scary right?

Now that you understand the importance of creating unique passwords, it’s time toexercisesome cyber-hygiene! Here are a few tips to help you “brush up” on password security:

Treat your password like a toothbrush.  Don't share it.  Choose a good one.  Don't recycle an old one.  Choose a unique McGill password to be used only with your McGill username.

Strong and unique passwords are just one important part of staying safe online.To add an additional layer of protection to your account, you should also enableTwo-Factor Authentication (2FA),which is now available for your McGill account.

Privacy is our shared responsibility and we musttake additional measures to keep our information secure.

WANT TO GET CYBER-SAVVY?

𲵾ٱԴǷڴǰIT Security Awareness Essentialstraining.This self-paced course for students, faculty, and staff, available via, includes a set of short educational videos and games on IT security.

Already registered? .

First time participant?Log in intoandclickRegisteron the right side of the page, underSelf-Registration courses.

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