Step Up to the Plate: Password Awareness and the World Series of Security
The Major League Baseball Playoffs and World Series are almost here. Whether you are cheering on the Mets, Yankees, or another team dear to your heart, you can make sure your passwords aren’t striking out. Cybercriminals play hardball every day, and the best defense is a strong password game plan. Here’s how to keep your digital team in the win column.
Don’t Commit Errors
- Don’t write them down.
Writing passwords on sticky notes is the equivalent of dropping a routine ground ball. It may look harmless, but it’s an easy error that can cost you the game. Anyone walking by can pick up that password and steal home. - Don’t store them in Word or Excel.
Keeping a file called “Passwords.docx” on your desktop is like leaving your playbook on the bench for the other team to copy. If your computer is compromised, the opponent has all your signals—and the game’s as good as lost. - Don’t share them with others.
Handing over your password is like letting the other team’s pitcher throw for you. It’s your account, your swing—keep control of the bat. - Don’t email or chat them.
Sending passwords over email or Teams is like lobbing an underhand pitch to Aaron Judge. It’s just asking to get knocked out of the park. Messages can be intercepted, forwarded, or linger in archives long after you’ve forgotten them.
Play Like a Pro
- Use a password manager.
Think of it as your bullpen closer. Reliable, secure, and there when you need it. A password manager stores all your unique, complex passwords in one encrypted vault. You only need to remember one master password, and the manager handles the rest—no errors, no blown saves. - Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA).
MFA is like having a solid defense behind you. Even if the other team gets a hit (your password), they still must make it past your shortstop (your phone code or token). It’s an extra layer of protection that keeps your lead safe. - Swing for strong, unique passwords.
Don’t bunt with Password123. Go for a grand slam: at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager can even generate random ones—think Slugger!92CurveBall instead of Baseball2025. - Watch the scoreboard.
When a service you use suffers a breach, it’s like a rain delay—you need to act fast. Change your password right away to keep the game in your favor. Many password managers will even alert you when this happens.
Final Inning
The World Series is about crowning a champion, but when it comes to cybersecurity awareness, the trophy is your safety. Writing passwords down, storing them in files, or sharing them casually is like leaving the bases loaded without bringing anyone home. Don’t let bad habits put you in the loss column.
Step up to the plate: use a password manager, enable MFA, and keep your digital playbook safe. With strong password habits, you’ll be hitting home runs in the World Series of security.
Contact the ITS Service Center if you need help.
Visit securecuse.syr.edu for more information on security practices at Syracuse. For assistance, call the ITS Service Center at 315.443.2677 or email help@syr.edu.