By next year, cyber crime is expected to cost businesses over six trillion dollars in damages. Developing a strong password policy is your front line of defense against hackers, scammers and online criminals.
Easy to hack passwords can compromise your business’ computer networks. So, let’s go through some of the best policies to adopt when creating secure passwords for your business technology. If you have questions about your computer’s security, call MetroTech today at (727) 230-0332 or visit our website to get your questions answered.
10 Best Password Security Practices
Password Security – What To Do
- Check the character length. Hackers can crack a 7 character password in 5 minutes. The more characters you have, the more difficult it is to crack.
- Character Types. Be sure to use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. For example “XkeF%39IOd3”.
- Avoid Password Dictionaries. The password you select should not be listed in password dictionaries. There are online tools that check against password lists. Try those first.
- Consider a Password Generator. There are random online password generators that offer better password security
- Use Passphrases. Using a complex password in the form of a phrase such as “G0@h3@dM@k3MyDay!” allows you to easily remember a hard to crack password.
Password Security – What Not To Do
- Use Password Management Software. While password managers can be super convenient, we do not necessarily recommend them, at least for your high value passwords for banking, finances and access to your network. Keep in mind, that if Equifax can get hacked, so can a password manager.
- Frequent Password Changes. Contrary to popular belief, frequent password changes are actually counter productive to security measures. Once or twice a year is sufficient.
- Pet Names. Your cat is adorable, but please don’t dedicate your password to them. Hackers can guess them easily. Same goes for important people, places and events.
- Password Reuse. If you need to change your password, do not change it from “Guitar.Wizard1” to “Guitar.Wizard2”.
- Use Sequential Keyboard Strings. “qwerty789” is NOT a secure password. Avoid password patterns of any kind.
Password Security
Stolen and weak passwords are the most common sources for data breaches. Whether for your workstation, email, server or online accounts, we here at MetroTech can not emphasize enough the importance of creating strong passwords. When you understand what’s at stake, you’ll create the strongest password ever. If you suspect your system has been compromised or for more information on computer security, please call MetroTech at (727) 230-0332 or visit our website.