Practically every website you interact with will ask you to set a password. How you choose to create that password can determine how vulnerable you become to outside threats. Hackers are waiting for the opportunity to learn the password you set for your account, because just that one account can give them insight to all of your other accounts. This is why it’s important to make your accounts as difficult as possible to break into.
When everything from shopping sites to bank accounts need passwords, it may be tempting to create one password to memorize and use across all accounts. This is a big no, no. Although this would offer a simple way to remember your passwords, it does the same for hackers and can give them access to every account you are associated with. I know what you’re thinking, how is it possible to remember unique passwords for every one of your accounts? Luckily, there are trusted systems that can help. There are numerous secure password managers that will store your passwords for your convenience. It’s important to do your own research to find a reliable one, but a few we recommend are PasswordBox, LastPass and RoboForm.
Even though certain accounts may have password requirements of 8 characters, this often isn’t complicated enough for hackers. The more you are able to mix capital and non-capital letters, symbols and numbers, the harder it will be for it to be stolen. Instead of following the minimum requirements set by these accounts, aim for a password of at least 15 characters. Then add as many symbols, numbers and capital letters as you’d like. Consider each special character as an added bonus layer of security that will make it that much harder for someone to break into. If you’re having trouble coming up with complicated passwords for each account, try a password generator. 1Password allows you to put in your own requirements and will match you with a unique password within seconds.
Once you set the perfect password that is so long and complicated, it’s obnoxious, it’s time to add that last bit of protection. Two-factor authentication is a bonus level of security that occurs after your password is entered into a system. This is commonly in the form of a unique code that you then enter into your account. This code can be sent to your cellular device, email, or however else you wish to receive it. This means that the only way a hacker can have access to this newly generated code, is if they have access to the device the code is sent to. Another form of two-factor authentication is setting up security questions that only you would know the answer to. Many times these questions are case-sensitive, so you can make them extra tough to guess by adding a random capital letter in there (just to be sure to remember which letter it is).
Our last tip is to complete all the steps above on a routine basis. This way you are constantly setting new and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Enforce a rule to change your passwords on at least a quarterly basis, so above all else, you are another step ahead of hackers. In addition to setting new passwords, remember to keep all used passwords in the past. It’s important that you get your entire team caught up with password best practices so if your employee needs to create a password for a business account, it isn’t something that can get easily broken into. Routine IT training sessions are a great way to remind employees of the importance of a strong password.
Nutmeg Technologies is an IT managed service provider based out of Enfield, CT. We are happy to assist companies who are looking to have in-office or remote workforce through secure technology. Contact us to today to find a product that best suits your company’s needs.
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