Strong password management is crucial to keeping networks safe and preventing bad actors from accessing your company’s systems. Do you remember the days when you left a sticky note on your desk with your passwords? That would be a recipe for an attack. Here are some ways you can keep your organization safe against cyber criminals.
- Implement strong passwords. Make sure they are complex, using letters, numbers, and symbols. Here are some tips to create a strong password:
- Make them long. A minimum of 12 characters is recommended.
- Avoid including personal information.
- Make them random.
- Implement MFA (Multi-factor Authentication)
- By having additional login requirements, such as MFA, you are reducing the risk of someone gaining unauthorized access.
- Do not share your passwords.
- Even your IT department should not require your individual passwords.
- Avoid typing your passwords in public where someone might see.
- Have a system in place to renew passwords on a regular basis.
- Having checks in place to ensure that someone isn’t using the same password for their entire career is crucial. Companies that still allow this are more likely to have a cyber breach.
- Have a plan in place if you lose your passwords.
- If you have a password manager tool, ensure that you have a plan in place in the event you forget your master password.
- Do not store sensitive accounts (such as bank accounts, investments, etc.) on a password manager tool.
Having a strong plan to manage passwords is a great start to help prevent cyber breaches. This is something all IT departments can usually accomplish quickly and help reduce bad actors from accessing the system. You should always remain diligent with passwords and ensure that you keep them secure.
Want to learn more about cyber training opportunities for RMA members? Reach out to our Risk Team for more information at risk@rmainsurance.com.