User error will arguably be your organization’s single largest security vulnerability. One area that is often overlooked is the management and oversight of passwords that can leave your organization vulnerable.
Minimize your vulnerabilities by educating your users on password best practices, requiring two-factor authentication (2FA) and encouraging the use of a password manager.
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Editor’s Note: Are you looking to improve the security posture of your organization? Download our FREE Cybersecurity Toolkit, which includes handy desk reference guides, posters and checklists that you can share with your teams.
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What are the Risks?
- 600,000 hackers log into Facebook every day trying to breach users’ security
- 66% of computer users use one or two passwords across all their websites
- 47% of people use passwords that are over five years old
DO Use
- A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
- A new password every 90-120 days
- Passwords of at least eight characters
- A PassPhrase to help you more easily remember your password
DO NOT Use
- Dictionary words
- The names of your spouse, children or pets
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Keyboard sequences/patterns of four in a row
Tips on Creating the Perfect Password
- Use phrases instead of words
- Use a password manager
- NEVER share your password
- NEVER write down your password
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Password Manager Options
- Dashlane: $40/year; supports 2FA and fills web forms
- KeyPass: FREE; available for all platforms and includes a random password generator
- LastPass: FREE (optional premium upgrade); Supports 2FA and automatically changes a password for you if a service has been hacked or compromised
