For businesses in Coffs Harbour, you must have a strong password strategy. Cybercriminals are too sophisticated to ignore and a weak password regime can spell disaster for your business. We’re all used to logging into online systems to buy stuff, chat with friends and access services. And, on a personal level, it’s clear there are some pretty scary behaviours going on when it comes to password use. These include using the same password across many (or all) accounts, using an easy-to-crack password (Fluffy123 etc) and rarely, if ever, changing it. Clearly, this kind of thing isn’t acceptable for business! So, here’s how to implement a secure password strategy to keep your business safe.
I Can’t Remember My Secure Password
Before you implement a secure password strategy, you’ll need somewhere to store them. And not a Post-it note or Word doc! Employees will complain if they’re forced to remember several long complex passwords so we suggest a business Password Manager. There are lots of great options to choose from. All of them offer super-secure encryption and cloud backup.
The Perfect Secure Password
Creating a strong password can be done with a password generator. Try Norton Password Generator for instance. This program, and others like it, will spit out a perfect password in the blink of an eye. However, if you want to make your own that you will remember, remember the following.
- It must not be predictable.
- Use a mix of upper and lower-case and mix in symbols
- No names, birthdays or 12345 etc
- The longer, the better – at least 12 characters
Beyond Passwords
Sure, crafting a solid password is like putting a good lock on your digital door, but how else can you protect your business?
When connecting in public, use a VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) aren’t just fancy jargon; they’re your ticket to browsing anonymously. Picture it: you, sipping coffee, connected to public Wi-Fi, and yet your online moves are invisible. Providers like NordVPN come with a stamp of approval from the digital watchdogs, ensuring you’re covered.
Antivirus Programs
Think of antivirus software as your digital health team. They are constantly on the lookout for bugs and malicious codes wanting to break into your system. From spyware that peeks at your data to viruses and ransomware determined to create havoc, the right antivirus program keeps these at bay.
Changing Passwords: Only When Necessary
Old wisdom had us changing passwords regularly and often. But, let’s face it, that often leads to weaker passwords because we’re forced to rethink them. Nowadays, the advice has shifted. Keep your strong passwords unless there’s a breach. It’s about quality, not quantity.
