Passwords are the single most common access point for data breaches. Sharing passwords between employees is a huge risk. Sharing those passwords across non-controlled communication channels like Slack or text is just asking for trouble. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you are doing your due diligence and nipping any password vulnerabilities in the bud.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are experiencing an uptick in popularity as many businesses move quickly into a work from home model. Such hacks can sabotage a user’s personal information and lead to multiple problems in safeguarding confidential information. With these scams on the rise as more people turn to the internet for business purposes as well as personal ones like online banking, shopping, and other financial transactions, hackers are taking advantage and trying to catch these consumers as they enter information. A common phishing tactic is to pose as a recognizable entity or individual and lure visitors to a website; the user is asked to enter their login information but does not realize they are sending this information to a third party instead. It’s equally common that a scammer would ask for a password that they might have “forgotten” and just take it and run.
A phishing attack can have dangerous consequences, but with a critical eye you can spot them pretty easily. First and foremost remember to never share your passwords. Also consider, phishers generally request immediate action, adding a sense of urgency to each and every message. Knowing how to identify these messages will help reduce or eliminate your risk as a phishing target. The first step is to always double check the source of any e-mails. If you need to call the company or financial institution to verify the source, then take the steps to do so. It’s important that you never share account information over the internet unless you are 100% sure the site is secure and it is for a legitimate purpose. It’s a good idea to check your bank accounts on a regular basis and learn about any fraudulent behavior.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication is a security protocol that is quickly becoming the new standard of identity verification. Requiring users to provide multiple forms of identity verification (such as a password and mobile device request, for example) will provide better protection at all levels of access. This form of authentication will help add that extra layer of security that you need. Remember that hackers are often looking for the path of least resistance. This can be all it takes to deter a potential attack.
Password Managers
Many of the biggest and most notorious corporate data hacks have been blamed on inefficient password protections. A strong password is one that is easy to remember but hard to guess, but that in and of itself is not enough protection these days. Using the same password across different devices, across personal and professional accounts, and even across different employee access levels can lead to very real problems when it comes to network security. The invention of password managers has changed the game. For companies looking to increase the quality of their passwords without slowing down their employees, they are very helpful. From storing to creating complex and difficult to hack passwords, managers are the smart and convenient way forward.
For more tips on how to keep your data secure, connect with the team at Happy Faces Records Management today.
