Use Strong Passwords & Password Managers

Tip #1: Make your passwords long.

• In 2025, every password should be at least 16 characters.
• Hackers can crack short passwords in seconds, but a 16-character password could take millions of years to break.

Tip #2: Keep them unique.
Never reuse passwords. Each account deserves its own strong, random password.

Tip #3: Use a password manager.

• Password managers make it simple to generate, store, and autofill strong, unique passwords.
• Common myths—like “if a password manager gets hacked, all my passwords are gone”—aren’t true. Password managers use encryption and don’t even know your master password.

Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Tip #1: Any MFA is better than none.
MFA adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password.

Tip #2: Some MFA methods are stronger than others:

• Best: Biometrics (fingerprint, FaceID) or authenticator apps (Google, Microsoft, Duo).
• Good: Hardware tokens, text or email codes (but beware SIM swap risks).
• Weak: Security questions (answers are easy to guess).

Keep Your Software Updated

Tip #1: Turn on automatic updates.
Updates fix security flaws that hackers exploit.

Tip #2: Update everything.
Not just your computer—phones, apps, browsers, even smart devices need patches.

Tip #3: Don’t ignore update prompts.
Delaying updates leaves your device open to known vulnerabilities.

Recognize & Report Scams

Tip #1: Stop and think before you click.
Phishing emails and texts often create urgency (“Your account will be locked!”).

Tip #2: Check the details.
Look for misspellings, unusual sender addresses, or suspicious links.

Tip #3: Report it.
At LSC, forward suspicious emails to phishing@lonestar.edu. Reporting scams helps protect everyone.