Information Security Awareness
Last updated on March 17, 2026Jump to a Security Awareness page:
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Security Tip of the Week
Protect your wireless network by creating a unique username and password.
After you set up your wireless network make sure that you change the default username and password. This will better protect you and your network.
Passwords are like toothbrushes. Change them often and don’t share them!
Create and use strong and unique passwords – and change them early and often!
What is Password Security?
Password security is the process of creating and verifying identity and restrict access to devices, files and accounts to only those who are authorized to do so.
What are security risks in not creating and using secure passwords?
Risks of not creating and using secure passwords include, but are not limited to:
- Accidentally giving cybercriminals access to multiple accounts if you use the same password for most or all your accounts.
- Identity theft.
- Financial theft.
- Data breaches.
How can I create secure passwords?
There are numerous strategies to create, manage and use passwords securely.
B.C. Government password rules require that B.C. Government passwords must:
- Have a minimum length of 14 characters.
- Include at least three of the four following elements:
- Uppercase alphabet letters (A…Z)
- Lowercase alphabet letters (a…z)
- Base-10 numerals (0-9)
- Special characters (eg. ! $ & ~, etc.)
- Not contain all, or part, of the username, including initials.
- Be historically unique. The last 24 passwords may not be reused.
- Be more than 24 hours old. This means users can only change their password once per day without contacting their helpdesk for support.
- Not be on the Microsoft Entra Password Protection list of known weak passwords, e.g. passwords that are well-known to threat actors, like ‘Welcome123’ or ‘Summer2024’ will not be accepted.
Since people use passwords in their professional and personal lives, some additional password security best practices include:
- Do not share your passwords with anyone.
- Avoid using personal information when you create your password.
- Example: Do not use your address, pet’s, child’s or spouse’s name.
- Log out of your accounts when you are finished using them.
- Do not click “Remember Me” when you are logging into your accounts.
- Implement multifactor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide at least two forms of evidence to verify their identity.
Take the Password Security Quiz!
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SANS Cyber Threat Intelligence Summit & Training 2025 Live Online Dates: January 27-28, 2025 Time: TBD Location: Virtual Cost: Free Register: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-training-events/cyber-threat-intelligence-summit-2025/ |
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