7 Top Tech Tips - Passwords

Provided By David Meares - Virtec IT Solutions

This month we are looking into one of the main and most basic forms of security used within your business for your I.T. and Tech…. Passwords.

New technology and more sophisticated methods of security are being developed all the time, most will be familiar with Biometric security in the form of unlocking devices with finger prints, face recognition and even retina scanning (but that’s usually reserved for the movies!). However, even with these new security methods most will still require the ability to fall back on a password, so for the moment, they are here to stay and because of this we will provide “7 Top Tech Tips” for your passwords.

1. Complexity and Length –Always try to use a password that is complex and as long as you can. This means combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols in various combinations to make a unique password. If needed use an online random password generator to do this.

2. Apply 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) –This additional security method is now available on most platforms and services. It means an additional step is required when logging into a service by ensuring once you enter your login details (e.g. Username and Password) it will then send a one time code (via email or text message for example), this ensures that if an attacker gains access to your credentials then this alone will not be enough to gain access.

3. Avoid storing passwords –Avoid storing your passwords (either digitally or on paper) –If needed look into a password manager that uses advanced security with Biometrics and 2-Factor Authentication

4. Don’t repeat passwords –Never use the same passwords in different locations. If a single account gets compromised, any account/platform using the same password should be considered compromised too. Always ensure every site/device/account uses a different password.

5. Avoid obvious passwords –Don’t use passwords that can be easily guessed. Things like “password”, “password123”, “123456” and “QWERTY” are obvious ones not to use but this also includes things like names, dates of birth, addresses, etc.

6. Don’t use real (Dictionary) words –

Much the same as using obvious passwords. Using legitimate words can be guessed or “brute forced”.

7. Don’t give out your information –Never text, email or read out your passwords. Your passwords are yours and no one else should need them. If ever requested, simply refuse.