Password protection: keeping it simple

Keeping our digital data safe is serious. All students and staff should look after their data and privacy online.

Strong passwords are an essential defence against unauthorised access to your online accounts. Creating a strong, long, complex password will reduce the potential for a cybercriminal to access your data.

Here's a simple guide to making sure your passwords are strong and your online life stays secure:  

1. Make it long and memorable: Create passwords that are long and difficult to guess. A good way to do this is by using three random words that mean something to you but would be hard for someone else to predict. For example, RiverToastLaptop, PurpleTigerGarden10, or WinterCoffeePencil5. Avoid common passwords, personal information, or anything that could be easily found on social media.
2. One password for one thing: Don't use the same password for everything. Each account needs its own unique password. That way, if one account is compromised, the others stay protected.
3. Use a password manager: Remembering lots of different passwords can be difficult. A password manager can securely store your passwords and create strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
4. Keep your passwords safe: Never share your passwords with other people. Don't write passwords down. Use a password manager to securely store your passwords and create strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Whenever possible, enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

Digital security wellbeing and awareness project by LJMU students

To raise awareness of protecting your data online, LJMU’s data protection team has worked with law, business and media production students to create a campaign across the university to highlight how to stay one step ahead of cyber crime. Check out the video above or view our Privacy and Digital Security webpages.