5 Easy Steps to Improve Your Organizations Password Security...Today!

In the ever-growing world of cyber threats, strong passwords are your first line of defence. One of the fundamental aspects of cybersecurity is password security. Weak or compromised passwords can leave your business vulnerable to data breaches and cyber-attacks. Therefore, it's essential to implement robust password security measures to safeguard your business's digital assets. 

In 2021, 36% of organizations reported being impacted by hacking or password cracking^*. Considering that, on average, employees type out login credentials 154 times per month^** and reuse them 13 times (average)^***, it is evident why password security is fundamental to your organization's cybersecurity. 

Here are five easy steps to enhance your organization's password security.

1. Implement and enforce a Strong Password Policy: Encourage employees to create passwords at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly remind employees to avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdates or common words. P.S. Ban the Password Post-It Note!
2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before gaining access to an account. This could include a combination of passwords, biometric scans, security tokens, or one-time passcodes sent via email or SMS. By implementing MFA, even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access can be prevented, significantly reducing the risk of a security breach.
3. Utilize a Business-Grade Password Management Solution: Managing multiple complex passwords can be challenging for employees. That's where password managers come in handy. Password managers securely store and organize passwords, making it easy for users to access them when needed. Additionally, many password managers offer features such as password generation and automatic form filling, streamlining the login process while ensuring strong password security.
4. Provide Ongoing Security Awareness Training: Security is a team effort! No matter how robust your password security measures are, they're only effective if employees understand and adhere to them. Provide ongoing cybersecurity training to educate employees about the importance of password security, common threats such as phishing attacks, and best practices for creating and managing passwords. 
5. Conduct Regular Password Audits: Regularly audit your business's passwords to identify weak or compromised credentials. Utilize password management tools to monitor password strength, detect any duplicates or reused passwords, and identify accounts with weak or expired passwords. Promptly address any security vulnerabilities by resetting passwords and educating employees on best practices.

Strengthening password security is a crucial aspect of protecting your organization from cyber threats. By following these five easy steps and implementing robust password security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach or cyber attack. Remember, investing in password security today can save your organization from costly repercussions in the future.

We're here to partner with you to create a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Book your complimentary meeting with one of our experts at your convenience via our online calendar here.

*Stat Canada **LastPass ***LastPass