Strong passwords are one of your first lines of defense against cyber threats.
Throughout October — Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the University Information Security Office and ODU’s School of Cybersecurity, in partnership with the Division of Enrollment, Transformation, and Technology, are teaming up to share simple cybersecurity practices that can help protect your accounts and information.
Creating, storing, and remembering passwords for every account can feel overwhelming. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference.
Make Your Passwords Long, Unique, and Strong
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Long: Longer passwords are harder for attackers to guess. When possible, use a passphrase that is at least 16 characters long.
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Unique: Use a completely different password for every account. Reusing your MIDAS password on personal sites can put your university accounts and information at risk.
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Strong: Avoid words or numbers someone could easily guess, like your name, birthday, pet’s name, or ODU-related terms. A strong passphrase made of four or more random, unrelated words can be easier to remember and harder to guess.
A Password Manager Can Help
Remembering a unique passphrase for every single account doesn't have to be a headache.
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A password manager securely stores your credentials in an encrypted vault.
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It can generate strong, unique passwords and fill them in when you sign in.
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You only need to remember one strong master password to unlock your accounts.
Protect Your MIDAS Account
Your MIDAS credentials grant access to essential university systems like Canvas, myODU, and Leo Online, making account safety essential.
To keep your account secure, never:
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Reuse your MIDAS password on personal social media or banking accounts.
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Share your password or Duo verification codes with anyone. ODU will never ask you to share them.
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Write your password down on sticky notes or keep it in unencrypted text files.
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Save your credentials on shared or public computers.
Take a Quick Security Check
Take two minutes this week to review your setup:
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Are my passwords at least 16 characters long?
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Am I reusing the same password across multiple sites?
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Could a password manager help me keep track of my logins easier?
What to Do If Your MIDAS Account Is Compromised
If you notice unusual activity or suspect your login details were exposed, change your password as soon as possible and report the issue to the ODU IT Help Desk. Take a few minutes this week to review your passwords and make sure your ODU account is protected with a strong, unique passphrase.
Want more tips? Check out our social media @oduett_ for more ways to strengthen your passwords and protect your accounts!