The world of tech is expanding at an exponential rate. Its wonders and abilities seem to know no bounds and its contribution to modern society has been the catalyst to the advancements that we, as a race, have made over the last 100 years or so. Unfortunately, along with the improvements it brings to everyday life, it is also used as a platform for criminals to commit financial fraud, identity theft, and a range of other illegal activities.
That is why it is essential that your cybersecurity is up to a standard that gives you the confidence to know you are protected from such criminals. Let us take a look at how cybersecurity is important within your business, in your day-to-day life, and in what ways cybercriminals utilise gaps in your security to their advantage.
Passwords
Much attention is often paid to security protocol at an administrative level, but it is equally important to ensure that you and your staff are individually taking steps to ensure that your business’ digital assets remain safe and secure.
Account log-ins act as the gatekeeper to your digital world so it is vital your team practice good password management to avoid giving unscrupulous individuals unbridled access to your accounts and sensitive data.
How do Cybercriminals exploit passwords?
Cybercriminals use many different avenues to gain access to password-protected accounts. These are listed as follows:
- Malware – Malicious programs are used to record passwords as they are entered.
- Phishing – This method simply involves the hacker acquiring your password by using an act of deception. Often using Email, the hacker will usually imitate a legitimate party in order that you will divulge account details.
- Social engineering – A term that is used to consolidate methods used by hackers to persuade victims to disclose their confidential information willingly.
- Guessing – As longwinded as this may sound, guessing a password can be easy. Many people take little care when creating passwords – resulting in them often being easily guessable. Passwords are often common letter/number combinations, a favourite sports team, names and places relevant to the account holder – a pet’s name, spouse, or town of residence etc. All of which are easily worked out.
Keeping your accounts safe – secure passwords
It should be common sense to ensure good practice when creating a password. Don’t use common number/letter sequences, words or phrases that mean something to you or names of people and places you’re connected with in some way. The best passwords are random and contain an assortment of letters, numbers and other characters that have no relevance to the user. So no using your cat’s name followed by 123.
You should remember the following principles within your team to set strong passwords and keep your accounts as secure as possible:
- Periodically change your password, as sometimes accounts are hacked unbeknownst to the account holder.
- Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Use upper and lowercase letters.
- If it’s easy to remember don’t use it! Avoid easily recalled sequential passwords (1234, ABCD) as well as common words (dog, cat, etc).
- The longer the better. If possible, make sure your password is over 10 characters long and mixed in a random pattern of words, numbers and characters.
Password security is a ‘front line’ and a crucial – yet often neglected – aspect of online security. Start setting strong passwords today and ensure that you and your business are safeguarded against online criminals.
Are you unsure if you are as safe as possible from cybercriminals?
We’re Exi-Go, how can we help?
We at Exi-Go want to give you, your business and employees the peace of mind that comes from knowing that everything possible has been done to safeguard essential and sensitive data and information from cyber theft. Our partnerships with experts in the sector ensure we are always at the forefront of innovation in the tech industry and we can provide business IT solutions with friendly service. We are on a mission to help our clients make sense of IT and want to become an integral part of your team to help you prosper with IT as your ally. Contact us now to see how we can help you.
We’re a trusted provider of IT Support and managed technology services to businesses & organisations across the UK from our bases in Watford and Manchester. Our ethos places people before technology; ensuring that we make technology work for you, your business and your team.
Contact us for more information on 0203 096 2220 or hello@Exi-Go.com