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SecureIT

Don't use your MSU NetID and password for non-MSU accounts. eight-bit sparty

Passwords

Protect your NetID and password combination. Don't use your MSU NetID and password for social media, retail, or any non-MSU sites.

Reputable organizations will NEVER ask for your account and password combination in an email message.

To know...

Secure passwords are very important.

  • Use a minimum of 14 characters that include at least one upper case letter, one lowercase letter, and one number.
  • Use special characters like # ^ * - _ ! = [ ] { } | \ : ' , . ? / ` " ( )
    • Don't use @ $ & ~ ; < > %
  • Don't start your password with a character other than a letter or number.
  • Don't include your name (first, middle, or last) as part of a longer password (i.e., Sparty2028 wouldn't work as a password if your name were Art).
  • Don't reuse a password you've used before.
  • Don't use words from the dictionary or words with numbers added to the end as your password.
  • Don't use double words (i.e., SpartanSpartan), letter substitutions (i.e., Sp*rt*n), or common sequences (i.e., asdfg, 12345).
  • Don't share your passwords with anyone, including your parents or roommates.

Use a passphrase to make your password stronger.

  • A passphrase is different from a password in that it typically contains 20 or more characters and may contain spaces as part of a phrase or full sentence. A passphrase will be stronger than shorter passwords.
  • To create a passphrase, choose a sentence that is long and easy to remember.
  • In your passphrase, include proper nouns, numbers, and punctuation.

MSU will never ask you for your NetID and password combo in an email or text message.

Phishing attempts are online scams involving email and text messages appearing to be from a trusted source that ask for personal information, often including passwords.

To do...

Password protect your computer, mobile devices, routers, and wireless connections.

  • Ultimately, you're responsible for whatever is done using your registered Internet connection (IP address) whether it is via your computer, mobile, device, or router.
  • Secure your devices to protect yourself from situations where you could be blamed for someone else sharing pirated files from your connection.

If you must write your password down, keep it in a safe place.

  • Consider using a password vault, which provides an encrypted place to store all passwords.
  • Protect your passwords as you would your credit card numbers. Don't give them out to anyone.

If you need help with your MSU NetID password or think you may have responded to a phishing message, contact the IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200.

What could happen...

If your NetID and password are compromised, your student records, class schedule, email, and online classes could be affected.

If your financial information is compromised, your checking account, savings account, and credit card balance could be affected.

If your social networks are compromised, the privacy of your Facebook, X, Instagram, and other accounts could be affected.

If your computer or mobile device is compromised, your files, address book, calendar, email, social networks, and financial information could be affected.

If your router and wireless connection are compromised or not secured, someone could use your IP address for illegal activities. Don't put yourself in a situation where you could be blamed for someone else sharing pirated files using your router or connection.