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Prevent Data Breeches & Change Your Passwords!

Tuesday, September 13th, 2022

password protection

Hackers are getting smarter, but that doesn’t mean you should make it easy for them by using shared or compromised login credentials. Your company’s first line of defense is to use strong, unique passwords for everyone who has access to your network. The most effective way to address potential threats and keep your company safe is to be proactive in data security.

Password Risks

Secure credential management should be in place at all times for your users, whether they are employees or vendors who need system access. Passwords, especially those with access to organizational systems, are appealing to hackers because they provide access to a wealth of information from a single source. Frankly, many organizations unknowingly mismanage these targeted credentials by granting administrators, employees, and third-party vendor representatives the same access and privilege across the board. Password sharing among colleagues, both intentionally and unintentionally, can result in compromised credentials. 

Third-Party Remote Access Risks

Employees’ credentials are frequently given to third-party vendors. This could potentially put your company at significant risk of password compromise. Using remote support solutions when dealing with third-party vendors is the best way to protect your passwords. By never disclosing your password and injecting it on the vendor’s behalf, they never see your login information firsthand, which is the most secure method. If the third-party vendor does not see the password, they will not be able to use it to gain access to parts of the network that they do not have the clearance to see.

Best Practices for Strong Passwords

There are steps you can take to help your team avoid the issue of compromised credentials, such as requiring best practices for strong passwords and ensuring that your system is as secure as possible. Even if coworkers trust one another to access accounts, this does not guarantee that their password is secure. Too many users continue to employ antiquated practices such as selecting easy-to-remember passwords or writing them down in an organized, easily accessible location. So, what can you do to ensure that your employees are adhering to best practices for protecting your company’s information?

  • Strong passwords are required. This may imply using a reliable password manager and auto-generating secure passwords.
  • Implement two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication.
  • If a breach occurs, all passwords must be reset in accordance with standard protocol. In many cases, simply suggesting that employees reset their passwords results in the majority of them simply ignoring the suggestion.
  • Never use the same password for multiple accounts or logins. As a result, if a single password is stolen or misused, the hacker will only have access to one platform rather than all.
  • Put your words into action. Internal and external employees should follow all password best practices.
  • Ensure that anyone who has access to your network follows the password policies that your organization has established. As an added layer of security, you may require employees to reset their passwords every 90 days, never repeat a password, or use different combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols.

UCI Shredding

Keep your business safe by destroying all documents and hard drives. Don’t leave information behind for hackers to access. Give us a call today to learn more about what we have to offer! 806-372-7722