Cyber criminals threaten businesses of all types because they can steal or sabotage important data. Companies’ network security becomes jeopardized when their defense mechanisms, such as password protection and anti-virus software, are out-of-date and ineffective.
Recently, unauthorized access accounted for 43% of data breaches. Of the breaches that didn’t involve errors, privilege misuse, or physical actions, 62% stemmed from stolen credentials. Passwords are critical in distinguishing authorized users from unauthorized ones during authentication. The strength of your password directly reflects the level of control you have over your account, and a weak password makes it easier for attackers to compromise your data privacy.
To help minimize data breaches, we’ll explore what password protection entails and highlight the importance of practicing strong cyber hygiene to enhance its effectiveness.
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What Is Password Protection?
Password protection is a security measure used to protect information from unauthorized use. Passwords are typically used to authenticate users before they’re granted access to resources on a network. They function by verifying the credentials provided by the user against a database of authorized users. If the credentials match, the user is granted access to the requested resource, and if the credentials don’t match, access is denied.
Protecting the data and information of both the business and consumer is a high priority for every company. Using strong passwords is a key step in that protection process.
How Does Password Protection Work?
Password protection works by ensuring that only authorized users can review a particular account, system, or resource by requiring a unique combination of characters—referred to as a password—to verify their identity. Here are three simple ways to protect your passwords:
- Use Strong Passwords: Select a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that’s not easily guessed. The more complex your password, the harder it is for someone to crack it. Utilize a password policy that requires minimum lengths, complexity, and password changes at regular time intervals.
- Implement a Password Manager: A password manager creates and stores strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. By doing so, you don’t have to remember multiple passwords, and each account stays secure.
- Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Along with your password, MFA adds an extra layer of security. You’ll need something else, like a code from your phone, to log in, making it harder for anyone else to access your account even if they have your password.
Why Are Strong Passwords Important?
Close to 60% of users use personal information, including a name or birthday, in the password they create. While these passwords might be easy for the user to remember, they’re just as easy for a hacker to guess. A common method for cyber criminals to gain access to an account is through what’s called a brute force attack.
A brute force attack is where a hacker uses automated tools to guess passwords until they find the right combination that gives them access. These tools can try thousands of different password combinations in just a matter of minutes.
Another cyber threat that affects accounts and networks is phishing attacks. Phishing attacks happen when a hacker sends an email that appears to be from an authentic source in order to steal sensitive information. The email might ask the user to click on a link or open an attachment, which will then install malware on the user’s computer.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from brute force and phishing attacks is by using strong passwords. By having a complex password that’s difficult to guess, you’re less likely to fall victim to these types of attacks.
How to Ensure You’ve Created a Strong Password
When creating a strong password, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. The first thing you’ll want to consider is the password length. The longer the password, the more difficult it is for hackers to guess and gain access. Some tips for strengthening your passwords include:
- Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Create a unique phrase that you can easily remember but would be difficult for someone else to guess.
One way to further protect your accounts is by changing your passwords on a regular basis. While it can be inconvenient to have to update all your passwords frequently, it’s a simple way to stay ahead of hackers. Remember never to share your password with others as this can potentially lead to your account being compromised as well.
Use a Password Manager for Stronger Password Security
Managing multiple passwords can be challenging, especially if you’re using strong passwords with unique characters for each account. A password manager is a simple yet effective tool that can enhance your password protection. It securely stores all your passwords in an encrypted format so you only need to remember one master password to access all your accounts.
How Password Managers Work:
A password manager generates and stores passwords for each account it has access to. When you log into a site, the password manager can automatically fill in the credentials, making it both convenient and secure. All your passwords are encrypted, which means that even if someone gains access to your device, they won’t be able to view your stored passwords without your master password.
Popular Password Managers:
There are many password managers available, catering to different business needs. Some well-known and trusted options include:
- LastPass: Offers a range of features, including free and paid versions. It allows for seamless password management across multiple devices.
- Dashlane: Known for its user-friendly interface and additional features like dark web monitoring, Dashlane is an effective solution that has both free and premium versions.
- 1Password: A highly secure option used by many businesses for managing team passwords. It offers features like encrypted vaults for sensitive data.
Password managers come in a variety of pricing tiers, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. Many of them offer free plans with basic features, which can be useful for small businesses or startups.
Protect Your St. Louis Business From Cyber Attacks With ThrottleNet
For St. Louis businesses, password protection is vital in maintaining operational security, avoiding financial or reputational damage, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By adopting stronger password policies, multi-factor authentication, and other cybersecurity measures, local businesses can reduce the risks associated with compromised credentials and maintain trust within the community. ThrottleNet offers comprehensive security solutions that protect businesses from these threats.
Our team of experts is dedicated to providing the best possible protection for our clients. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your business from cyber attacks.
