25 Apr 12 Password Best Practices
With the corporate world becoming increasingly reliant on digitalization, the use of technology in your firm is inescapable. Although technology may definitely provide your company an advantage in increasingly competitive marketplaces, there are a number of potential pitfalls to be aware of. This is why there has been a surge in interest in cybersecurity in recent years.
If you want to improve your cybersecurity, start with password protection. Password protection refers to the process of creating a password in order to safeguard an entity’s data. When data is password-protected, only individuals with passwords may access the information or accounts. However, because passwords are so often used, individuals tend to neglect their importance and make thoughtless mistakes, which can lead to security breaches.
This makes it imperative for businesses to devise strategies to educate employees about best practices when using passwords.
6 Password “Don’ts”
Protect the confidentiality of your passwords by following these six password “don’ts”:
1. Don’t write passwords on sticky notes
Although you may believe that writing down passwords increases password security and makes it more difficult for someone to steal your credentials online, doing so might actually make it simpler for someone to acquire your passwords locally.
2. Don’t save passwords to your browser
This is due to the fact that online browsers are awful at safeguarding passwords and other sensitive information such as your name and credit card number. Web browsers are readily hacked, and a variety of spyware, browser extensions, and applications may steal sensitive data from them.
3. Don’t iterate your password (for example, PowerWalker1 to PowerWalker2)
Although this is widespread digital user behavior, it is unlikely to safeguard against sophisticated cyberthreats. Hackers have advanced to the point where they can crack iterated passwords in the blink of an eye.
4. Don’t use the same password across multiple accounts
You are giving hackers a good chance to exploit all your accounts if you do so.
5. Don’t capitalize the first letter of your password to meet the “one capitalized letter” requirement
Most of us, by default, capitalize the initial letter of our passwords in order to meet the “one capitalized letter” criterion. However, hackers are aware of this, making it simple for them to estimate the position of the capitalized letter.
6. Don’t use “!” to conform with the symbol requirement
If you must use it, do not put it at the end of your password. Placing it somewhere else in the sequence increases the security of your password.
You might be interested in this article: Making Your VoIP Network Bulletproof (Six Tips to Protect Your VoIP from Cyberattacks)
And now… Let’s talk about what must be done!
6 Passwords “Do’s”
Protect the confidentiality of your passwords by following these six password “do’s”:
1. Create long, phrase-based passwords that exchange letters for numbers and symbols
For example, if you want to express “Honey, I shrunk the kids,” you should write it as “h0ney1$hrunkth3k!d$.” This makes it more difficult for hackers to crack your password.
2. Change critical passwords every three months
Passwords used to secure sensitive data must be treated with extreme caution since there is a lot at stake if they are hacked. If you use a password for an extended period of time, hackers may be able to crack it. As a result, update your important passwords every three months.
3. Change less critical passwords every six months
This needs identifying which passwords are essential and which are not. Changing your passwords every few months is a smart habit in any case, regardless of their importance.
4. Use multifactor authentication
It is your job to do all possible to keep shady crooks at bay. One of the most effective methods is to encircle them with many levels of authentication.
5. Always use passwords that are longer than eight characters and include numbers, letters, and symbols
The more difficult things get for hackers, the better.
6. Use a password manager
A password manager may alleviate the pressure of memorizing a huge list of passwords, allowing you to devote more time to more productive tasks.
Need a password manager? We can help.
Password best practices need continual monitoring and effort on your side. As a consequence, it is vital to deal with a knowledgeable managed service provider (MSP) like us who can assist you in increasing your security and putting your mind at ease. Please contact us for a free consultation.
Sources:
How to create a strong password