One of the first lines of defense for keeping your information safe online is the use of a password. But not all passwords protect your information equally. Using your name, birth year, anniversary or your dog's name is not a good rule of thumb. Here are some password tips to ensure you're keeping your information safe:
Use different passwords on different accounts.
One of the leading causes of unauthorized access to accounts is the reuse of login credentials.
Use the longest password allowed.
The longer and more complicated a password is, the harder it will be for hackers to access your accounts. Use 11 characters or more, a short sentence or a mix of letters, symbols and numbers to strengthen your passwords. A recent study from Hives Systems found that an eight-character password- even one containing a mix of numbers, uppercase letters, lowercase letters and symbols- can be cracked within eight hours by the average hacker. Shorter than eight-characters? Those passwords could be cracked instantly, or within a few minutes, by any hacker who knows what they’re doing, even if they’re only using basic equipment.
Reset your password every few months.
Reset your passwords regularly, especially when these passwords allow access to confidential accounts, such as banking data. Did you know it takes most companies an average of six months to notice that a data breach has happened? This is why changing your password often is essential. By the time a data breach is reported, a threat actor could already be using and/or selling your data.
Use a password manager.
With just one master password, a password manager can generate and retrieve passwords for every account that you have – encrypting and protecting your online information, including credit card numbers and their pins. At Smart, we use 1Password to add an extra layer of protection to our internal data and the data of our clients.
Smart business leaders protect their businesses. Do business smart and keep your teams educated on the importance of cyber security and ensure you're using strong passwords.
