Given the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats, it's essential to stay vigilant and understand the importance of password hygiene. A recent report reveals that 61% of businesses have experienced a cyber breach due to credential data being compromised, with password issues as a central factor. Despite ongoing efforts, password protection remains a vital, yet vulnerable element in organizations' security strategies. 

Here, we outline strategies that businesses can employ to educate employees on password best practices to fortify their cybersecurity posture.

5 Password “Don'ts”

When it comes to password protection, steer clear of these common mistakes:

1. Don't write passwords on sticky notes.

   Writing down passwords may seem like a fool-proof offline protection method, yet it invites local theft, inadvertently making it easy for prying eyes to gain access.

2. Don't save passwords to your browser.

   Browsers are a weak link in the digital security chain. They are often susceptible to malware, dodgy extensions, and rogue software that can siphon off sensitive data.

3. Don't iterate your password.

   (e.g., from StormyWeather1 to StormyWeather2). Though popular, cybercriminals who have become adept at recognizing and cracking these patterns easily exploit this tactic.

4. Don't always capitalize the first letter.

   Habitually capitalizing the first letter to meet complexity requirements does you no favors. Hackers anticipate this and can easily guess such passwords.

5. Don't rely solely on "!" to fulfill the symbol requirement.

   Placement matters; avoid putting it at the end, as that does little to increase security.

5 Password “Do’s”

Bolster your password security with these proactive steps:

1. Create long, helpful phrase-based passwords with character substitutions.

   A creative password phrase such as "TimeForALongWalk!" can be transformed into a stronger phrase like "T1m3F0r@L0ngW@lk!" by mixing upper and lower-case letters, replacing certain letters with numbers and symbols, and introducing unpredictability within the passphrase.

2. Implement multi-factor authentication.

   This acts as an additional barricade against unauthorized access, significantly enhancing your security protocol.

3. Go beyond the eight-character minimum.

   Incorporate a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols to create a password that gives potential hackers a hard time.

4. Ensure unique passwords for every account.

   Shared passwords across platforms can lead to a domino effect of compromised accounts.

5. Leverage a password manager.

   Managing a multitude of intricate passwords can be overwhelming. A password manager offers a secure repository for your passwords, alleviating the strain on your memory.

Maintaining stringent password practices is a relentless task demanding constant attention. Partner with a trusted managed service provider (MSP) like DVD Networks who can bolster your security measures while providing peace of mind. Don't leave your cybersecurity to chance; get support today for a no-obligation consultation to elevate your digital defenses.