Password security for both personal computers and business computer networks is becoming increasingly important to the proper functioning of any business regardless of its size.  Because password and information security plays such a vital role in the development and execution of Business Continuity Plans, Computer Network Security Audits, and Loss Prevention Practices; organizations should take the appropriate measures to integrate a workable action plan into all aspects of their operations.

When asked to consider the top threats to the security and harmony of any business, most decision makers may first think about building security or the physical security of the employees.  However, the top threat to the sustainability of any business is the loss of critical information such as:  financials, client data, sales data, trade secrets, product research data, internal reports or memos, internal emails, and much more.

Let’s look at some examples of how poor password security can harm your organization and possibly the personnel within it.  Poor password security may lead to:

• The theft of vital company and personal information.
• Someone gaining access to personal email accounts or social network accounts to take on the persona of the account holder.
• The republishing of your passwords on other websites, blogs, and social networks for other users to view and possible use.
• Identity theft.
• Increased computer network support costs.
• Increased computer hardware and security costs.
• Increased threat of client lawsuits because of stolen data.
• Potential loss of clientele because of stolen data.
• Potential reputation issues for the organization.
• Increased legal expenditure to develop proper information security policies and measures.

Here are some simple, but effective ways to begin to achieve password and information security within your organization:

• Take it seriously and be organized.
• When giving responsibility to individuals within an organization to name their own passwords and login sets encourage longer more advanced passwords.
• Never email highly sensitive organizational or individual passwords to groups of users.
• Never use the exact same password for everything.  Changing up numbers, names, symbols, and word order makes a huge difference.
• Do not use any personal home addresses, house numbers, street names, birthdays, personal names, or common names that can easily be guessed.
• When an individual within the organization is terminated their passwords that provide access to any company system should be changed immediately.
• Create a digital vault for organizational and individual passwords and provide access to a small team of trusted personnel.
• Create an offline non-digital resource such as a Password Diary.
• Rotate or change passwords every 6-12 months for individual and organizational systems.
• Consider engaging in a Cyber Liability Policy or add additional coverage to existing E&O Policies.
• Invest in proper computer network security and management to fend off potential attacks and threats.

Check your password strength through Microsoft Online Safety.

ZenaComp is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan and is widely recognized as a top Microsoft Gold Certified Partner.  ZenaComp provides business computer network security and managed services for businesses, website development, website hosting, technology audits and assessments, and custom software development.  For more information or immediate assistance, please contact us at 888-559-7576 or Request Assistance Here.

Tags: Password Security
Posted in Password Security | No Comments »

---