Given that there is such a thing as World Password Day, it makes a lot of sense for businesses to consider the nature of their passwords carefully. Passwords are meant to restrict unauthorized access to accounts, documents, and devices. This means that they are worthless if at all people can quickly figure them out. Here are several steps as to how you can create a strong password tool and beat the hackers:
Setup a Longer Password
Usually, when setting up a password for some accounts like email, there is a minimum number of characters that should cut it for your password. However, other than that, the strength of your password has a lot to do with the length. The appropriate estimate should range between 8-15 characters long.
Don’t Use Dictionary Words
Hackers have a way to crack codes, and by using dictionary words, you make everything easier for them. A strong password is not one that has proper grammatical spelling or befits your favorite name on the dictionary. At the least of things, if you have to choose words from the dictionary, try to mix them up in an order that does not resonate with spoken language. For example, a password like ‘iloveyou’is not as strong as ‘loveeatcome.’ Also, avoid one-word passwords as they are the easiest to crack, and such a breach may end up undoing all the work your MySQL backup tool has achieved for your company.
Mix up the characters
Instead of just words or just numbers, mix up characters. It is much safer to have a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters for your password. This way, you can even use a word from the dictionary, as long as you add in other characters to mix things up. Example, ‘i1l@o#v3e!y*o&u’. While at it, mix up the capital letters and small letters, for extra complexity.
Keep away from your family and friends
Any idea to use your family member’s name for your passwords is a bad idea. A lot of the times when hackers are targeting your business, they most likely have done some research enough to gather some details about your close family. Therefore, avoid using names, even just for the fact that names are widespread and easy to figure out.
Avoid subsequent characters
To the best of your ability, avoid using characters that follow each other on the keyboard, the alphabet on numbers. For example, a password like ‘123456’ is a poor choice, and so is the case for ‘abcd’ or ‘qwerty.’
Using Two-Factor Authentication
Even with a very complex password in place, the two-factor verification is an added security measure you need. This allows you to approve any sign-ins and access to accounts and devices. Even after typing in the correct password, you need the code from sent to your cell phone to verify the access. This gives you more over who accesses your data, and when they to.
Different passwords for different places
The more there is a consistency in the passwords you choose for all your accounts and devices, the easier it is for hackers to figure them out. Regardless of whether or not you make your passwords long and complex if you use the same one for everything. You stand to lose.
Pro tip: use a Password Manager. As a business, there are tons of opportunities for you to use passwords. Since we have determined that you need different passwords for all accounts, consider a password manager that can help you safely store all your passcodes, for instance, LastPass.