Maintaining Good Password Hygiene (Part 2)

We know password security can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!

While the first two tips are definitely great options for keeping your passwords secure (see Part 1), there are a few more easy password hygiene procedures you can implement as easily as showering and applying deodorant. Settle in and read on.

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3. Keep them different on each account

The reality is, there will always be someone out there trying to get your password, and breaches will happen. It doesn’t matter how strong you make them, if you use the same password on all of your accounts, then all it takes is for one of those accounts to be hacked for someone to gain access to everything you have online. Of course, remembering all of your different passwords isn’t easy, so you may want to consider using a password manager to handle this for you. We offer our clients MyGlue, a nice business password manager, but there are plenty of other solutions out there to choose from.

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4. Don’t share them

It’s best not to use shared accounts, i.e., have multiple people logging in with the same details. The more people using the same account, the more likely it is for that account’s credentials to get leaked, or for the account to be taken advantage of. If someone does misuse the account, it’s going to be difficult working out who that is. It’s also worth mentioning here, don’t leave your passwords out in the open, like on a post-it note or in a diary. If someone gets into your office, they’ll have all of your passwords conveniently written down for them, ready to use!

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5. Use MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication is a major way you can keep your accounts safe. It works by requiring you to identify yourself with 2 or more different methods (or ‘factors’, hence the name). These ‘factors’ can be broken up in 3 different types:

1.     Something you know, such as a password or PIN number

2.     Something you have, such as an authentication token or mobile phone

3.     Something you are, indicated through biometrics, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.

By simply setting up MFA on an account, you can greatly reduce the risk of an unwanted or malicious user gaining access to your account. If your account gets stolen in any way, MFA will still require them to verify their identity using one of the other factors, and prevent their ability to access your information.

So many online services offer MFA as a standard and free option these days, and it’s highly recommended to use them. It may slow your process of logging into Facebook down by 10-15 seconds, but the benefits it provides are worth so much more. For businesses, there are an array of services that can be used to protect your systems, and it’s recommended to contact your IT Partner to discuss them if you aren’t already using one.

Though your IT Team can put systems in place to make sure passwords meet a minimum level, it’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure their own password hygiene is of a good standard and maintained! Teach your family, your friends, and your employees about good password hygiene. Implement solutions like a Password Manager and Multi-Factor Authentication to further help and protect you. Breaches happen, hackers exist, and your account can get compromised. Don’t make it easy for them to protect yourself in this world that continues to become more and more online.

Cloudwize offers cyber security solutions. If you have any questions for your business, feel free to reach out to us!

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