Bad password management can greatly increase the risk that someone outside of your company will gain access to your accounts. A hacking attempt happens every 39 seconds, according to the University of Maryland.
This is even more pertinent if you have suffered data breaches in the past, or your staff isn’t well versed with technology. Teaching your staff how to manage passwords properly can help you protect your company from expensive data breaches.
Forget Learning How to Manage Passwords: Use a Password Manager Instead
One of the best ways to create complicated, strong passwords is to make use of password management software. Several different options are available and will create passwords for you.
Each account that you have will have a unique password, that you won’t need to remember for yourself. You will only have to remember your password for the management software.
Further, password management software can also sync passwords across devices. This is great if your employees make use of a desktop, laptop, and work phone.
Use Longer Phrases, Not Passwords
The term strong password is a misnomer. The best passcodes to use for your company accounts are actually passphrases. This is because the longer your password is, the harder it is for a hacker to brute force their way through.
Choose a common phrase that is easy for you to remember, but is also fairly long. Stay away from easily guessed phrases though, like your full name or spelled out birthdate.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Increased Security
Sometimes, the best way to improve the security of your password is to make sure that it is not the only line of defense protecting your accounts. Two-factor authentication lets you enter a code that is either texted or emailed to you.
This prevents data breaches from gaining access to your work accounts unless they have access to all of your devices. Needless to say, this is much harder to do. It also means that your IT staff will notice data breaches before they can cause any real harm.
Change Passwords as Often as Necessary
Finally, you should also change your common passwords on a rotating basis. This especially applies after employees leave your company.
Make sure that you do not follow a pattern when changing passwords. Adding a single number at the end of your current password, and making it count upwards every time you change, is a bad idea. So is rotating out two or three passwords every time you need to change.
Get a Free Quote on Cyber Security Solutions
Following all four of the above points will drastically reduce the risk of a hack or data breach occurring. Following simple common sense steps, like not leaving your passwords on sticky notes, will also help.
For any further advice about how to manage passwords, or IT security, feel free to get in touch with our staff. We can tailor your digital security to keep you, your employees and your company safe.