October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which is a great time to level up your security game! While we’re all familiar with the classic advice to "create unique and strong passwords," keeping track of all those passwords is a whole other story. Who can remember a different 20-character string of letters, numbers, and symbols for every account? Enter the password manager: your new security cheat code.

1. The Password Struggle Is the Big Boss Fight

Let’s be honest: Passwords can be a pain. We’re told to use uncrackable ones for every account, and it can feel like you need a Ph.D. in cryptography to manage them all. You might be tempted to reuse the same password or jot them down on sticky notes (we have no proof), but that’s exactly what hackers are hoping for. They feast on weak passwords, using brute force or social engineering to gain access to your accounts and your money.

Here’s the truth: Even a strong password isn’t foolproof if it’s used across multiple accounts. One breach, and it’s game over. That’s why creating unique passwords for each account is so important—and why a password manager can help you do it without losing your mind.

2. Pitt Password Manager — The Best Weapon in the Game

Picture this: Pitt Password Manager (LastPass) is like a weapons vault that locks away all your complex passwords in one super-secure spot that only you have access to. You just need to remember one master password to crack it open and retrieve individual account passwords when you need them. In short, a password manager makes sure your security is as strong as possible without any of the headaches.

Still not convinced? Here’s what Pitt Password Manager can do for you:

• Auto-generate strong passwords: Opening a new account? It will auto-generate 16+-character passwords packed with random letters, numbers, and special characters—all the good stuff that makes hackers look for a new opponent.
• No repeats: Every account gets its own unique password, so if one gets hacked, the others are safe. If you manually create or import account credentials that use an existing password, the password manager can spot the repeat and prompt you to change it.
• Easy to use: It’s not just for tech geniuses. Pitt Password Manager is super simple to use. It even has a browser extension and mobile app that auto-fills your credentials on account log-in pages when you’re signed into it.
• Available anywhere: Forgot your password while logging in on your phone or tablet, a computer lab, or a friend’s device? No worries. Pitt Password Manager syncs across all your devices and can be accessed via the web, so your passwords are always within reach.

3. Set Up Your Password Manager Character

Getting started with a Pitt Password Manager premium account is simple and it’s free for Pitt for Pitt students, faculty, and staff. Even better, once you leave Pitt, the basic level of the account goes with you so you don’t lose all that loot when you respawn elsewhere.

• Visit lastpass.com/partnerpremium/pitt and follow our step-by-step instructions to create a new Password Manager Premium account. 

• When creating your Master Password, make sure it’s long and strong. A passphrase is a great option. Make it memorable but impossible to randomly guess, like “My2DogRtheCutest!<3”.

• Download the LastPass plug-in for your web browsers, then install the LastPass mobile app.
• Click the LastPass icon in your web browser and log in with your personal (non-Pitt) email address and master password.     

Be sure to set up SMS recovery in case you ever forget your master password. And don’t forget to disable password storage in your browser to enhance security and avoid confusion.  

4. Bonus Security Tips for Passwords

Even with a password manager, there are still a few best practice Easter eggs in the game to keep in mind:

• Go long and complicated. Keep passwords at least 12 characters long and use a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using personal info. Never use birthdays, pet names, or anything easily guessed in your passwords.
• Stay away from common, easy-to-guess passwords. “123456” and “password” won’t cut it—these are the first passwords hackers try. (If you're still using one of these, go change it right now!)
• Don’t share. When it comes to cybersecurity, you gotta game solo! Keep your usernames and passwords to yourself!

Protect Your Digital Life Like a Boss, No Matter How Many Profiles You Create

According to a 2024 NordPass survey, the average person has 168 passwords for personal accounts. (That’s up 68% from the 2020 survey!) Pitt Password Manager is your secret weapon for keeping online accounts secure without having to remember all those log-ins. In a world where data breaches are becoming more common, creating strong, unique passwords and storing them securely is essential. Happy Cybersecurity Month, Panthers!

SAVE THE DATE, STUDENTS:
Tech Fest 2024 – Trick or Treat for Cybersecurity
              Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in WPU Lower Lounge

-- By Haree Lim, Pitt IT Student Blogger