1. Create strong passwords
It’s easier than you might think to crack weak passwords. If you don’t use strong passwords, your entire business network could be at risk.
Avoid generic passwords like ‘password’ or ‘123456’. Create longer passwords (with a minimum of 8 characters in length) and increase complexity by combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters such as ‘!’ ‘&’ ‘$’.
Start using a password generator that will create strong passwords, and manage and store your passwords in vaults (e.g. LastPass).
2. Change your passwords on a regular basis
The longer you keep a password, the more chance there is of a compromise. By changing your passwords every month or so, you minimise the risk of being hacked.
A word of warning – it’s dangerous to use an incremental method when choosing a new password. For example, changing from tomdonaldson2011 to tomdonaldson2012 at the end of the year would just about be the worst way to go about this.
3. Don’t reuse your passwords
That’s because if a password database is hacked, and linked to a username or email address, then another hacker can come along and look for accounts in different places under that username or email.
They then have access to the other account if a password is reused. If passwords are even similar to previously used passwords, hackers may be able to guess a new password from the leaked one.
4. Have the proper InfoSec procedures in place
Businesses should be using multi-factor authentication, limiting access to systems for regular account maintenance, firewalls, website blocking, and encryption of critical data. It is also important to engage with IT providers who have a track record and expertise with security solutions and data protection.
5. Check whether your data has been compromised
You can also take advantage of reputable services such as HaveIBeenPwned to see if confidential data has been compromised in any data breaches. Data that they may find has been leaked can include things like usernames, passwords, addresses, etc.
Improved password hygiene is a great start to protecting your business. But sadly, this doesn’t give you full protection. Talk to our team about securing your business today, Call us on (08) 9418 4119 or email [email protected]