We try to make our lives simpler by using online passwords that are easy to remember or having the same ones across multiple sites. Then, it happens — a hack. Suddenly, significant amounts of our personal information are at risk.
The best way to keep this information secure is to put proactive strategies in place for password management and layered security controls. That means avoiding easy-to-guess options, using more complex passwords, and enforcing a password policy for changing passwords.
Having a secure password is essential to protecting your sensitive data. When combined with your unique user name, it helps verify your identity. In turn, that identity confirmation helps determine what information you can access. Confidential and complex passwords are a primary form of defense in preventing unauthorized data access that can lead to larger issues.
Users tend to rely on passwords they can recall easily. That often results in passcodes others can easily guess or hack because they're too common. Frequently hacked passwords often include:
Generally speaking, more complex passwords are more secure. Key factors of a strong password include:
Here are a few tips for selecting stronger and more secure passwords:
While implementing these best practices for password security is a great start, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of account security. Over 80% of breaches are due to credential theft. MFA blocks 99.9% of those attacks.
Centre Technologies is an award-winning Texas-based managed service provider with the skills and expertise to improve your security posture. Our secure managed services include a robust password manager as well as MFA compliance assurance as part of a comprehensive suite of benefits. Get expert IT management from online security experts by contacting us today.