Is it time to update your passwords?

Today’s the day to strengthen your password security

May 02, 2024

Reduce the risk of your password being hacked by following these five simple steps for better password security:

1. Use long and unique passwords

• Ensure your password is at least 12 characters long. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and some special characters.
• Preferably use a ‘passphrase’ to make it easier to remember – for example, 4 or more random words joined together like ‘RedHouseSkyTrain’.
• The longer it is, the harder it will be to crack.

2. Don’t use anything that can be linked to you

• Your password should never contain your pet or family member’s names or birthdays, or anything else that can be linked back to you.

3. Apply multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible

• MFA requires an additional action in addition to your password to verify your identity, such as entering a one-time code that is sent to your mobile phone.

• This can prevent cybercriminals from using your password if it has been stolen.

4. Don’t reuse old passwords or use the same passwords across multiple accounts

• This will minimise the risk to your other accounts if a password is hacked or stolen.

5. Test the strength of your passwords with the Password Strength Tester

• This online tool will test how long it would take to crack your password and whether it has been exposed to a breach.

For more important cyber safety tips, complete your mandatory Cyber Security Fundamentals eLearning module. This needs to be completed by all staff every two years. Log into My Health Learning to check if it’s due.

Report suspicious activity at work

It’s up to all of us to help keep our systems safe and sensitive information secure, so report anything that could be a potential threat on the SARA Customer Service Portal or call the State Wide Service Desk on 1300 28 55 33.

If you receive a phishing or suspicious email, please report it via the Report Message button in the Outlook email menu.