Keeping your Log In Information Safe

Internet Security is a hot topic nowadays, and we all know that the best practice is to keep multiple passwords, but most of us do not follow this practice. This makes keeping your current passwords secure much more important. If you lose a current password that you use across multiple sites and accounts, then it is not one, but all the accounts that are compromised.

To prevent this, there are a few methods available that allow for safe web browsing.

First and foremost, use multiple passwords. Yes it is hard, but it can be made very simple using password managers (Such as LastPass). We have a post already on password managers so I won't linger here for too long, but to quote Shia Lebouf, "Just do it!"

Second of all, and just as important as using multiple passwords, is using good passwords. If you are still not convinced about using a password manager, then an additional reason to use one is it majes using good passwords easy, as many of them have the ability to randomly generate passwords that you don't have to remember. If you still don't want to use a password manager, then some good tips to making a strong password can be found here

Lastly, only send your usernames and passwords to secure sites. When using Google Chrome this is easy as it will tell you up by the address bar what sites are secure, and what sites are not. If using Firefox then the same rule applies, but you are looking for a locked lock for secure or an 'i' in a circle for insecure. As a general rule, if a site address starts with "https://" then the site is secure. If it starts with "http://" (Note the missing 's') then the site is insecure.

If a site says insecure, then it is in your best interest to NOT put ANY personal information into the site, as it can easily be "sniffed" by nearby people using packet analyzers (a computer program or piece of computer hardware that can intercept and log traffic that passes over a digital network or part of a network.*)

Using these three tips is a great way to keep your log in information safe. If you have questions or feel you may have compromised a password, then feel free to come up to the DormNet Helpdesk in Admin 205 or call us at 501-279-4545

*Wikipedia Definition for packet analyzer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packet_analyzer)