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This week's message is about how you can protect yourself using recommended password security habits. Your passwords are the key to a host of information about you, and potentially those close to you. If someone can access your personal information, it can have serious long-term effects—and not just online! Follow these recommendations to protect your identity while making the Internet more secure for everyone:
- Use a passphrase instead of a password. Passphrases are usually 16 characters or more and include a combination of words or short sentences that are easy to remember (for example: MaryHadALittleLamb!)
- Use a fingerprint or some form of bio-metric, such as facial recognition, requirement to sign in when available. This provides an extra layer of protection for devices and apps.
- Request single-use authentication codes that can be sent to your phone or delivered by an app.
- Take advantage of whatever multi-factor authentication methods are available for your service.
- Use a password manager or password vault software to help keep track of all your passwords and avoid password reuse.
Read the Creating a Password Cybersecurity Tip Sheet for more information.
Tip: Double your login protection
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that the only person who has access to your account is you. Use it for email, banking, social media, and any other service that requires logging in. If MFA is an option, enable it by using a trusted mobile device, such as your smartphone, an authenticator app, or a secure token - a small physical device that can hook onto your key ring. Read the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) How-to-Guide for more information.
Thank you for joining us for this years National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We hope you were able to apply these cybersecurity tips. To continue to be proactive in enhancing your cybersecurity knowledge, there is additional information and resources available through the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers & Studies (NICCS).
The mission of the Iowa Department of Revenue is to serve Iowans and support state government by collecting all taxes required by law, but no more.
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