Life is busy. Between back-to-back meetings, group assignments, lectures, and daily administrative duties, remembering dozens of passwords can feel like a task for superheroes. So, you do what many of us have done: you reuse the same password across different platforms. Maybe you even add a number or two to make it more “secure.”
In a connected environment like UCT, where your login grants you access to emails, coursework, research, financial data, and more, using a reused or weak password is highly risky. It endangers your information and the university network. That’s why UCT has a dedicated password policy in place to help protect your account and ensure only authorised users can access sensitive systems. To keep your digital identity safe, start by understanding the policy.
Why strong passwords matter
A weak or reused password is an open invitation to hackers. Such passwords put both your data and the entire UCT community at risk.
Creating a strong password isn’t complicated. It’s about combining length, complexity, and uniqueness. Ideally, a secure password
- is long enough to resist guessing attacks
- mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
- avoids obvious personal details like your staff or student number, first name, preferred name, surname or birthday
- avoids using common or predictable words like password, UCT, or admin, which are among the first guesses in hacking attempts
- is unique across every account, so a breach on one platform doesn’t compromise others
Following these guidelines protects your data and the integrity of university networks and resources.
Manage your UCT password with Password Self-Service
UCT’s Password Self-Service (PSS) allows you to manage your password easily. Whether you’ve forgotten your password or simply want to update it as part of good security practice, you can do so anytime from anywhere with internet access. You can quickly reset it using a one-time password (OTP) token sent directly to your mobile phone.
It is therefore important that you keep your contact details on PSS, including your mobile number and email address, up to date to ensure smooth password changes. This lets you receive OTPs and reset your password without any issues.
Remember to update your password on all your devices, including your phone, tablet, and laptop, to ensure seamless access.
To access Password Self-Service, visit the ICTS website (icts.uct.ac.za) and click the Password Self-Service link at the bottom-right corner of the homepage.
Use password management tools
Managing multiple strong and unique passwords can be challenging. This is where password management tools become useful. These applications and services securely store your passwords and generate robust ones for you, reducing the mental burden.
Using a password manager offers several advantages.
- You can securely store all your passwords in one encrypted location.
- Many tools automatically fill in passwords on websites and apps, which helps to save time.
- Some password management tools notify you if your passwords have been compromised in data breaches, allowing you to act quickly.
- They encourage creating strong, unique passwords for each account to eliminate the risks associated with password reuse.
However, there are other important factors to consider.
- Your master password must be strong. If someone gets hold of it, they could access all your saved passwords.
- Not all password managers provide the same level of security and privacy.
- Using cloud-based management solutions involves entrusting third-party services with sensitive data.
- Some tools don’t work well across multiple devices or platforms.
Weighing these pros and cons carefully will help you find the best fit. Before choosing one, research options for strong encryption, positive user reviews, and a solid security track record. Enable multi-factor / two-factor authentication to enhance security, in case your master password is compromised. With the right password manager, you can significantly improve your online security.
Consider using passphrases
Passphrases offer a strong alternative. They are longer sequences of unrelated words that form memorable phrases, making them both secure and easier to recall, while still meeting UCT’s password requirements.
You can use a strong, unique passphrase as your password manager’s master password, and let the manager generate complex passwords for your other accounts. This approach helps protect your digital identity and reduces the risk of breaches.
For example, a passphrase like Sunnyday7Icebowl! combines unrelated words with numbers, uppercase letters, and a special character, meeting UCT’s standards while remaining easy to remember.
Simple tips to keep your UCT account safe
Protecting your password doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart habits can go a long way in keeping your account secure and preventing misuse.
- Never share your password, not even with ICTS staff.
- Keep it private, just like your bank PIN.
- Avoid writing it down or storing it in obvious places.
- If you suspect your password has been compromised, change it immediately.
By following these steps, you are not only protecting yourself but also helping to safeguard the entire UCT community.
Stay alert, stay secure, and keep your UCT digital experience safe.