Your Weak Password Is Your Biggest Security Issue

Are You Taking Your Company’s Cyber Security Seriously? Your Password Says Differently.

Every business owner knows that 2014 was an eye-opening year when it comes to security – several large data breaches took place, from J.P. Morgan Chase to Home Depot. Some people are still not learning their lesson and cracking down on cyber security.

Passwords are the gatekeeper to everything from email and banking to total access to our computers and smartphones. A survey conducted by Janrain found that more than 50% of adults use 5 or more passwords – and while it sounds like a good thing, using that many passwords can cause problems. When people are trying to remember that many different codes they tend to go for the easiest possible idea. What’s at the top of this year’s 25 worst used passwords? “123456” and “Password”. Yes, really.

With a basic password as simple as the ones many people are using, it can take hackers less than 2 minutes to break into your system – and they can do a whole lot more than you think in just two minutes. If you’re starting to realize your passwords aren’t adequate, you’re not alone.

What can you do when you need to update your protection but don’t want something you’ll constantly forget and have to reset? Try to follow these rules:

• Pick a password that consists of at least 8 characters
• Use a capital letter and a number to complicate things a bit
• Replace a password with a phrase

The last tip is perhaps the most helpful. While we tend to forget random jumbles of letters and numbers, it’s easier to remember phrases that are unique to your friends or family.

Additionally, SSO (single sign-on) can help you protect your computer or devices. It’s a service that allows you to log in once and then gain access to all systems and accounts without having to log in again to each.

However you decide to protect yourself, know that it can make all the difference in how safe your system is. Take some time to consider our tips and create a password that’s unique, memorable, and secure.

For more security tips and to learn how to avoid the pitfalls of easily-hacked passwords, contact CTECH Consulting Group at info@ctechgroup.net or by phone at (403) 457-1478.

Written by Carl Fransen

posted on February 23, 2015

Carl Fransen

My passion is to make my mark on the world in a positive and lasting way. I want to set an example for my son that his father can compete with integrity in today’s world, be very successful, and leave the world a better place for him.

Combining my technical/business-based education with a long career steadily progressing up the corporate ladder, I decided to build a company that held true to my values. So, I founded and designed the next generation of IT support firm: CTECH Consulting Group Inc. We are a completely automated, cloud-based IT company designed to compete against any other IT firm without the overhead. We promote a lifestyle to all our staff where they can work anywhere, at any time, access any information on any device that is relevant to their job, and collaborate with anyone they want to.