As technology advances, cybersecurity has become more critical than ever before. Businesses, big and small, are vulnerable to cyber attacks that can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. In this blog series, we explore ways to increase your business’s cybersecurity and protect it from potential threats.
In this second instalment, we discuss the importance of using long and unique passwords to secure your accounts.
Why Long and Unique Passwords Matter
Do you know how long it takes for a hacker to crack an 8-digit long password? Depending on the complexity and strength of the password, as well as the computing power and resources available to the attacker, a password with 8 digits can be cracked instantly, or within 5 minutes.
Reference: Hive Systems. https://www.hivesystems.io/blog/are-your-passwords-in-the-green
To make it more challenging for attackers, it’s essential to create long and unique passwords that are difficult to guess or crack. A long password with a minimum of 12 characters that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers can take up to 226 years to crack, even with the most advanced computing resources.
Tips for Creating Strong Passwords
Creating strong passwords is not rocket science, but it does require some effort and creativity. Here are some tips for creating strong passwords:
- Use a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Avoid using predictable patterns or sequences, such as “123456” or “abcdef”.
- Use unique passwords for each account or service you use.
- Use a passphrase instead of a password, such as a random sentence that includes numbers and symbols.
- Avoid using personal information, such as your name, birthdate, or address, in your password.
- Use a different password for each account or service to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple accounts.
- Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. We will touch on this in a later blog.
Password Examples
Passwords don’t have to be boring; some can even be funny. Here are a few examples of passwords that you could use (but don’t use these, come up with your own):
- ITMadeMeResetMyPasswordAgainIn2023!
- MyWifeIsPrettyHot!!!11
- !H4teComputer5
- ComplicatedMushrooms27!
- AnnoyingBoss2022#$%
- UnderDressedFlamingo2!
- IWillChangemypasswordTODAY!
Overcoming Challenges
Enforcing staff to use long and secure passwords can be a challenging task. Employees may find it difficult to remember complex passwords or may resist the extra effort required to create them. One approach to overcoming this challenge is to educate employees about the importance of using strong passwords and the potential consequences of weak ones by using the uSecure platform to deliver training and password policies. Providing these training sessions, guidelines, and examples of strong passwords can help staff understand the value of cybersecurity and motivate them to comply with password policies.
Additionally, implementing password management tools or software such as BitWarden, that can generate and store complex passwords can make it easier for employees to follow password best practices. Regular reminders and periodic password changes can also reinforce the importance of strong passwords and maintain compliance across the organization.
The Risks of Weak Passwords
Using weak passwords can have severe consequences for your business. It can put your sensitive data, financial information, and intellectual property at risk. Weak passwords can also make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts, steal your identity, and launch more significant cyberattacks.
Final Thoughts
Using long and unique passwords is an essential step in securing your business’s online presence. By taking the time to create strong passwords and regularly updating them, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime.
Contact Us for Expert Support:
If you need assistance with deploying long unique passwords in your business, get in contact with New England Business Technology by calling (02) 6771 4072 for expert guidance and support. Our team of experts can help you implement long unique passwords and provide ongoing support to ensure that your business is protected from potential cyber threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late, contact us today and take the necessary steps to protect your business.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
