It’s important to understand the role that secure passwords play in protecting your critical business data. As a business owner or manager, you need to consider that your business network contains over 100+ passwords and it’s rare that most employees create unique and complex passwords for every account they have.

In order to improve password security, you must make it a priority across your organization, involving the compliance of all employees through tools and education to create a strong strategy for creating and maintaining strong and secure passwords. Let’s check out some ways you can help your business create the best passwords for your business security.

Understand Password Best Practices

• Choose passwords that are 8-14 characters long
• Ensure the complexity of passwords is set high by including three random words, a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers (3756), and symbols (!#$%)
• Change your passwords every 90 days
• Do not use a password that can be easily guessed, such as your birthdate, spouses name, pet name, etc.
• Be mindful not to repeat passwords, make sure each account has its own unique password
• Do not share your passwords with others or leave them anywhere visible
• If you suspect your account has been compromised, change your password immediately.

Use A Password Manager

Password managers such as LastPass, are software applications that are designed to store and manage online credentials, so you don’t have to remember them all. Password managers take the hassle out of creating long-unique passwords and having to remember them. These types of password mangers help you stay on top of password best practices by create secure passwords and alerting you when there are duplicate passwords in your account. All in all, a user only needs to remember one master password for their password manager and use a multi-factor authentication to keep their information secure.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-step authentication is a process that requires a user to have a single login, such as a password, as well as an additional similar type of login that is sent directly to the user. For example, you may have a password for your first step and then receive a one-use code on your cell phone or to your email as the second step. A two-step authentication just adds as extra step in verifying your identity and keeping your information more secure. However, this is not to be meant as a means of keeping hackers out.

Improve Your Password Security Today

ECMSI offers a state-of-the-art, multi-layered security suite to ensure your network and critical data is being protected. We offer a free network health assessment to answer your questions, show you where you’re vulnerable, and what our recommendations are to keep your network healthy and productive. Follow the link below to schedule yours today!