THE IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING PASSWORDS
In today’s digital landscape, businesses rely on passwords as virtual keys to the online world. When seeking to safeguard our most valuable information and resources, effective password management becomes an essential line of defense.
Today’s cybercriminals are skilled and sophisticated, seeking soft entry points that will allow them to access your most sensitive data. Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that half of data breaches are the result of stolen passwords. A well-managed password system is not merely an inconvenience for potential hackers—it can be an insurmountable barrier that will soon have them seeking other targets.
Poor password habits, however, can make it shockingly easy for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your systems and compromise your digital assets. To ensure you’re taking all the necessary steps to protect your sensitive data, consider the following pro tips:
Create Robust Passwords
Gone are the days when simple and predictable passwords would suffice. Avoid using easily accessible information such as names, dates of birth, or common words. Instead create a long, strong passphrase that will be both easy to remember and nearly impossible to guess. Best practices recommend passwords of 8-16 characters that employ uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, and special characters.
Use Password Encryption
Encryption software adds an extra layer of protection, safeguarding information, even if it is intercepted by cybercriminals. Best practices suggest using end-to-end encryption that is non-reversible. This prevents cybercriminals from using intercepted data to access its source—your system.
Employ Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification to access your accounts. Typically, this involves a code sent to your mobile device that must be entered alongside your password. With two- or multi factor authentication, even if someone manages to obtain your password, they would still need physical possession of your mobile device to gain access.
Consider Biometrics
If you’re seeking to protect high-value data, science offers us some interesting non-password authentication methods. Facial recognition software and fingerprint authentication can be used to verify a user’s identity from a smartphone, tablet, or other device.
Avoid Dictionary Words
Today’s cybercriminals use programs to test passwords for commonly used words. Called dictionary attacks, these cybercrimes can compromise passwords with surprising ease. Try to use passwords or phrases that are unique or made-up to bypass this common hacker trick.
Use Unique Passwords for Each Account
Inconvenient as it might be, utilizing different passwords for different accounts minimizes the potential damage of a security breach. Even if one account is compromised, your other accounts remain secure.
Use a Password Manager
Don’t want to remember all those passcodes? A password manager generates strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and securely stores them. With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password to access all your other passwords. It simplifies the process while ensuring robust security for your online presence.
Avoid Regular Changes to Personal Passcodes
There was a time when it was recommended that users change their personal passwords every 90 to 180 days for security reasons. Unfortunately, the practice proved less than effective because people tended to cycle through the same 3 or 4 passcodes. Current best practices suggest changing personal passwords only in the event of a suspected data breach.
Create Privileged User Accounts
To allow highly sensitive information files or directories to be accessible by a select few users, you can create privileged user accounts. These accounts can only be accessed by designated individuals who hold unique credentials.
Test Your Password
Before putting any new password into use, it’s a good idea to test its strength. There are many free online services that will assess the strength of your passcode, with some suggesting ways to improve the strength of your code.
Conclusion
In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, effective password management is an absolute necessity. It’s not solely about protecting your business and its assets; it’s also about safeguarding the trust and confidence of your customers.
By implementing strong and unique passwords, utilizing a password manager, and enabling two-factor authentication, you demonstrate your commitment to protecting the digital identities and sensitive data of both your organization and your clients.
Remember, password management is an ongoing process. Stay vigilant, keep your defenses strong, and make it a priority to regularly review and update your password practices. By doing so, you fortify your digital infrastructure and contribute to a safer online environment for yourself and your stakeholders.
We understand how important cybersecurity is to you. We encourage you to partner with a professional who can identify vulnerabilities, close entry points, and build a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that meets your needs and your budget.