The Division of Information Technology (DOIT) is launching a new initiative to enhance cybersecurity at Texas State University. Spearheaded by the Information Security Office, the enhancements include two new products available soon.
Out with passwords, in with passphrases
Our first enhancement will change how Bobcats make the passwords that go with their Texas State NetIDs.
In the past, the requirement was for at least eight characters and a level of complexity that includes capital and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers.
Later this month, we will be switching to passphrases – a minimum of 15 characters without the requirement for complexity. A passphrase is a string of words or phrases, such as “TexasStateIsTheBest.” Passphrases are like passwords in usage, but the added length makes them much more difficult to hack. Most of the highly efficient password cracking tools break down at around 10 characters.
You won’t have to switch to a passphrase until it’s time to renew your NetID password. But you should switch as soon as you can. Your personal information, university data, research, and everything else you use NetID logins to access will be much safer.
Look for more details in your email as we get closer to the switch in late June.
Coming soon: LastPass
LastPass Enterprise will soon be available to faculty and staff. LastPass is a password management tool that offers secure password storage. Faculty and staff will have access to the Enterprise version, for Texas State logins, and to the Premium version to use for personal passwords and information.
Many people store passwords in multiple locations, even using their browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. While this may seem convenient, storing passwords in multiple browsers, or directly on your device, is an easy way to have your passwords stolen.
LastPass solves these problems by offering a secure password vault users can access from the web on desktops and apps using a mobile device. LastPass is encrypted end-to-end, meaning only you can ever see your passwords.
LastPass should be available to faculty and staff by around June 24. Look for an email announcement in your Texas State inbox around that time.
If you want to learn more about LastPass now, visit the LastPass webpage on the DOIT website.
