Passwords are the security guards keeping your private information protected from cyber criminals attempting to gain access. Take a look at some best practices for creating passwords and keeping information secure.
14 Characters
The longer your password, the better. Weak passwords that are based off a simple dictionary word or something easy to guess are extremely vulnerable to cracking techniques. Security professionals recommend a minimum password length of 14 characters for users.
Create a Passphrase
Using a book title, song name, or lines from a poem is an easy way to commit your password to memory and make it difficult for hackers to crack. Adding spaces between words and using special characters creates an even stronger password. Never ever use a common name, birth date, job, or location that can be traced back to you!
Never Share Passwords
Out sick or on vacation, you should never tell your password to anyone. You are responsible for everything done on the system using your ID and password. In the case of an emergency leave, IT has administrative tools to gain access, without compromising the ID of the person who is out of the office.
Develop a Password Policy
Writing a password policy for your organization is key to helping your users protect the critical systems you rely on every day. Depending on your access levels to confidential data, password requirements may vary by department.
iV4 can help your organization develop a password policy and educate users on the importance of secure passwords with Security Awareness Training.
