Knowing what the hackers know about your password

When was the last time you changed your password? It’s probably been a while. Most people are educated on the importance of creating a strong password to protect their data, however, not everyone is taught on how cybercriminals can hack your account. Create a strong password knowing how cybercriminal password hacking methods.

Personal Data Used Against You

A password should not contain personal information. Never use sequential numbers or letters that contain any part of personal information such as your name, birthday, phone number, credit card number, address, or any account usernames. If you’re being specifically targeted by a cybercriminal, they will include all of this information in their attempts.  

Brute Force Attack

A brute force attack is where a cybercriminal uses automated software to hack your password. This software is programmed to generate billions of combinations containing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols in seconds. Prevent this type of attack by creating a password longer than 12 characters (more if possible) to make it more difficult for the cybercriminal. Strengthen your password by using a mix of characters, numbers and special characters. 

Dictionary Attack, Brutes Getting Smarter

A dictionary attack is a form of a brute force attack where a cybercriminal attempts to crack your password systematically entering ordinary words into an automated software. WMU users are not permitted to use single words as their WMU account password.

Visit wmich.edu/it/rules/passwordguidelines for more information on password guidelines and see wmich.edu/policies/password for WMU password policy information.