Once upon a time, the advice from Microsoft was that you should change your password every 60 days. They’ve since updated this advice and withdrawn it, encouraging a focus on password strength instead. Here are 3 simple steps which will make a dramatic difference to the cyber security of nearly every business.
1. Use a random password generator
It’s frustrating when you go to set a password, only to be rejected multiple times until you’ve added, a capital letter, a special character, and the shoe size of your great aunt’s postman. Save yourself time while maximizing your security by having a password randomly generated. It doesn’t matter that it’s nearly impossible to remember when you also follow step two…
2. Use a password manager to keep track of these passwords and fill them in for you
It’s like a digital notebook filled with all your login details, but behind a huge amount of security. It keeps track of all of your passwords and auto fills them into websites when required. You will need one password to log in to your password manager, but one is much more favourable than 50+
3. Enable multiple-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA is like, backup for if the password fails. It basically provides an extra layer of security in the form of a security question, or sending a unique code to your email address or mobile device. That way, if ever someone got hold of your password, they wouldn’t be able to access your account without also having access to your mobile device or email address. This can be useful in both business and personal contexts – it means you’ll automatically get a notification when someone tries to sign in – and you’ll know whether or not it was you.
If you’d like us to take a look at your current security processes and suggest ways you can improve it, or discuss options for training your team in security, including password best practices – please get in touch. Just give us a call on 01373 768024 or book a call in the calendar below:
