LastPass password management software is now available for students, faculty and staff at Case Western Reserve University to enhance security and combat common password issues such as reusing one over multiple sites, forgetting them, keeping a list of them or making them too easy to guess.
One master password set by the user grants access to a LastPass account, which in turn remembers (or generates) the passwords for any sites kept in its “vault” for each user, to enable easy and secure log-ins. Users can opt to set a passphrase instead of a password.
Passphrases are a sentence or phrase that can contain spaces just like a written sentence, and are preferred because they are easier to remember and harder to guess or crack than passwords. University Technology [U]Tech recommends using a passphrase for LastPass to promote a more secure environment with easier usage.
To avoid compromising security, the master password/phrase must not be used on any other of a user’s “vaulted” sites or the software will lock out the user. LastPass can be used with any of the most popular web browsers, and there is also a LastPass mobile device app. LastPass servers do not store or “know” your master password/passphrase or any of the data stored in your vault.
To sign up for LastPass, fill out a brief registration form to receive an invitation sent to your CWRU email. LastPass can be combined with Duo two-factor authentication, already in use with some CWRU systems, for even more security.
View an introductory video on YouTube.
For assistance with any technology product or service at Case Western Reserve University, contact the [U]Tech Service Desk at help@case.edu or 216.368.HELP (4357) or visit help.case.edu.