May 2nd is World Password Day, but secure passwords are a must every day of the year. We encourage you to take some time to update old passwords to keep them secure, but if you’re not sure what makes a truly secure password, read the must haves below.
Avoid Common Words: Hackers often target passwords that consist of easily guessed common words or personal information such as names, phone numbers, or birthdays. It’s vital to steer clear of using these as they can be effortlessly exploited.
Randomization is Key: A strong password should not follow a predictable pattern, such as being all lowercase or having a single capital letter at the beginning. Incorporating both uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as special symbols such as ‘&’ or ‘$’, significantly bolsters password security.
Unique for Each Account: It’s crucial to use a different password for each account to prevent a breach on one account from compromising others. Reusing passwords greatly heightens the vulnerability of your accounts.
Length and Regular Updates: A good practice is to employ passwords with a length of 8-12 characters at a minimum, as longer passwords are tougher to crack. Additionally, changing passwords periodically and especially after a suspected breach is essential for maintaining security. Every six months is a good rule of thumb.
Password Management Services: There are various password management services available, but it’s essential to conduct thorough research before committing to one. They can securely store your passwords, and some even provide recommendations for strong passwords. But nothing is more secure than going offline with good old fashioned pen and paper. Just make sure you’re not putting your passwords on a sticky note in plain view. You can also create a password formula, which we have another blog post on that linked here.
Conclusion:
By incorporating these best practices, you can significantly strengthen the security of your passwords and enhance your accounts’ protection against potential threats.
But there’s more to cyber security than just strong passwords. That’s why Travis Voice & Data offers Managed IT Services as a comprehensive solution to secure our customers data and network. Contact us today for a quote or learn more about our Managed IT Services here.
