Due to a change in process, some new Windows laptops were delivered to employees with their Bitlocker passwords taped inside. These passwords should have been removed upon delivery and instructions for properly storing passwords shared. If your Bitlocker password is still taped inside your laptop, please remove it ASAP. Commit this password to memory or store the password securely. Then destroy that small piece of paper. If you know a colleague that still has a Bitlocker password stored inside their laptop, please share this information with them. 

How do you store passwords safely? 

• A safe or locked desk drawer is a secure place to store passwords. 
• A wallet or purse will work, provided you keep that wallet or purse safe. 
• Similarly, you can take a picture of that password and keep it on your phone either as a photo or in a note-taking app. Keep that phone safe and ensure it is protected with a passcode. 
• You can keep passwords in a Microsoft Office document like a Word doc or Excel spreadsheet. It is preferable to encrypt this document with a strong password. 
• If you keep your passwords on a removable drive, it is important you do not lose that device.
• You can keep passwords in a file stored in the cloud. If you do, it is important that you do not share that document with anyone who should not have access to those passwords.

Consider using a password manager. Security professionals agree that the benefits of using a password manager outweigh the risks. They help ensure you use unique and strong passwords for all your different accounts. Password managers simultaneously provide a single place to maintain your passwords while also synchronizing your passwords across all your devices. St. Olaf uses and can strongly recommend LastPass. However, there are other reputable vendors in this space including Dashlane, 1Password, and Keypass. 

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Look for more cybersecurity tips in your inbox soon.