Today is World Password Day, and we never miss an opportunity to spread awareness on password safety and cybersecurity, so we’ve put together some useful tips for organisations for safe password management.
Taking steps to protect your systems against cyberattack is absolutely essential for businesses of all sizes, and good password management is one of those steps.
Making sure that you’ve got a good understanding of password safety – and, crucially, that your team is well-trained in your policies and practices – will add one more level of security in your defences against cyberattack.
Use strong and complex passwords
The first and most important step towards password safety is using strong and complex passwords. A strong password should consist of at least eight characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s also important to avoid using predictable and easily guessable words or phrases such as ‘password123’ or ‘qwerty.’ Simple passwords can be cracked by an attacker in a shockingly short amount of time, so the more complex you make your password, the safer your systems will be.
Implement password policies for your organisation
Implementing password policies can help to enforce password safety across your organisation. Password policies should specify the minimum length and complexity requirements for passwords, as well as how frequently passwords need to be changed. You can also set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your passwords.
Educate your employees
Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber attacks, and it is crucial to educate them on password safety practices. Provide regular training sessions to help your employees understand the importance of password safety and how to create and manage strong passwords. Encourage your employees to use unique passwords for each account and avoid sharing their passwords with anyone. Be sure to regularly refresh password safety training, and that any new starters are brought up to speed on your policies.
Use a password manager
Managing passwords for multiple accounts can be challenging, and using a password manager can make it easier – so your team are less likely to resort to simple, easy-to-remember passwords. A password manager can generate strong and complex passwords and store them securely in an encrypted vault. This eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords and reduces the risk of using weak passwords.
Regularly review and update passwords
Data records containing passwords and login details are compromised all the time – over two billion passwords were leaked in 2021! Regularly reviewing and updating passwords will protect you against these leaks. Ensure that all passwords are updated regularly, especially for accounts that contain sensitive information. You should also revoke access for former employees and change any shared passwords immediately after an employee leaves your company.
Conduct regular security audits
Conducting regular security audits can help to identify any vulnerabilities in your password safety practices. You can use tools like penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to identify any weak passwords, unsecured accounts, or other potential security risks. Regular security audits can help you to address any issues before they become a significant problem.
Password safety is a critical component of any business’s cybersecurity strategy, and a thorough audit of your current systems and a robust cybersecurity plan are a good place to start. We’re here to help: whether you’d like us to audit your current systems, provide expert cybersecurity advice, support staff training or put in place a watertight cybersecurity strategy, we can provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your IT systems are in safe hands. Get in touch to find out more.
