As cyberattacks become increasingly common and businesses rely on technology for essential processes, company leaders should assess their cybersecurity practices. Implementing a robust password security policy is the first step toward optimizing your organization’s cybersecurity system.
An impenetrable password security policy will ensure that no one obtains unauthorized access to your company’s private information, but most employees put little effort into choosing complex, secure passwords. Meanwhile, companies often neglect to implement advanced password security policies that can withstand the perils of possible data breaches in an online landscape that poses greater risks than ever.
In a digitally-connected society, data has become the most valuable resource on the planet. Organizations should utilize every tool at their disposal to ensure that company and client data remains protected at all times. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by enhancing your network’s password security with the data-security strategies below.
1. Educate Employees About Phishing Emails
Despite the regular occurrence of phishing attacks, many employees are unaware of the damage that phishing can cause. Phishing attacks can be difficult for employees to detect because cybercriminals often disguise themselves as well-known, trustworthy institutions. When hackers pose as a government department or bank, they demand information from the victim, including their login credentials.
Hackers may ask for this information in the email or use a fraudulent login page to deceive people into providing their sensitive data. Businesses can prevent phishing attacks and enhance their password security by teaching employees how to identify phishing emails and what to do if a phishing attack occurs.
Recent research states that 85% of data breaches are caused by human error. While an organization may be able to attribute some of these errors to employees replying to emails quickly and simply not paying attention, some employees may not know to identify a fraudulent email. Consider implementing a cybersecurity training program for all employees to protect passwords and other sensitive information.
2. Ensure that Employees Change Their Passwords Regularly
Many people may find it challenging to remember different passwords, especially when changing them frequently. However, routine practices that support password security are vital to an effective password security protocol.
Ensure that all employees create complex passwords that combine numbers, symbols, and letters. In addition, these passwords should be a minimum character length. Furthermore, employees should change their passwords every 90 days. Use software that prompts employees to change their passwords regularly to support your efforts.
Moreover, employees should use a different password for each website or service, and organizations should restrict password reuse to limit password security issues. Companies have the option to set a minimum number of times that employees can reuse a password.
3. Implement Two-Step Authentication
Two-step authentication requires an employee to use an additional verification point to confirm login credentials. Organizations using this authentication method create another obstacle for hackers to obtain highly sensitive information. Two-step authentication verifies that an employee is legitimately attempting to access a specific website or service with the login credentials that are on record. In addition, this security measure can quickly identify any login attempts from an unknown device.
Most organizations utilize multi-factor authentication apps to ensure that cybercriminals cannot access sensitive data, even if they can identify the password, because these apps automatically generate a single-use password that expires within a specific time.
In most cases, multi-factor authentication methods require the employees to enter a one-time password that they receive at their email address or cell phone number, which confirms that the person attempting to access certain information is, in fact, an employee.
4. Use Encrypted Password Tracking Software
As unbelievable as it may sound, 42% of organizations rely on manual password tracking methods such as sticky notes to keep track of employee passwords. Fortunately, companies can utilize encrypted password tracking software to reduce data security risks.
Essentially, password managers function as a secure vault for user passwords. While this software is available for personal and business use, companies should ensure that they utilize the password tracking software specifically for businesses. This type of software is complete with administrative features that are not available for private-use password managers.
If you’re familiar with other cloud-based solutions, encrypted password tracking software may not surprise you. When companies subscribe to password tracking software, each employee will download the application or browser extension. This software stores employee passwords and ensures that employees choose robust passwords that are more challenging for cybercriminals to obtain. Furthermore, these tools streamline employee workflows and enhance productivity while tracking every website log-in for a password security system resilient from all entry points.
5. Data Wiping for Unwanted IT Equipment
If your employees report frequent malware incursions or phishing attacks, upgrading your IT assets can enhance your other password security measures while decreasing the risk of cyberattacks. Outdated technologies are prone to security breaches because they typically are not compatible with modern cybersecurity software.
However, businesses must partner with a reputable ITAD provider who will ensure that all devices are wiped of passwords and other sensitive information before undergoing the electronic recycling process.
While it is customary for employers to delete data from their IT equipment before purchasing new devices, this process alone is insufficient for adequate password security. When ITAD providers obtain your unwanted IT assets, they will completely eradicate any information stored within the devices through a process referred to as “data wiping.” This process ensures that there are no passwords or other login credentials in a device’s hardware.
Protect Your Company Data with FAMCe
Protecting company data begins with robust password security practices, which includes your IT equipment recycling practices. If it’s time for your business or organization to upgrade your electronic devices, certified ITAD providers will ensure that your unwanted IT equipment is disposed of in a manner that is both ethical and secure.
FAMCe has over 30 years of experience helping businesses safely and responsibly recycle their outdated devices. Our high level of expertise and exceptional customer service have built our reputation as an industry leader, and we are committed to exceeding each client’s needs and expectations.
Want to recycle your old devices with confidence? Contact FAMCe today for e-waste disposal that’s ethical and secure
