A recent BuzzFeed News article was recently released advising everyone who had a Dropbox account in mid-2012 to change their passwords immediately due to a hacker security breach. Hackers often publish information publically or sell the information on the black market, so it’s important to take steps to protect your accounts. Here are 10 password security tips to help keep your data safe.
9 Password Security Tips to Keep Your Data Safe
- Choose strong passwords. For help on how to create strong and memorable passwords, check out this blog post.
- Change your passwords often. Set up reminders and don’t repeat the same password for a year or more.
- Don’t use the same password for different accounts. For example, don’t use the same password for your email as you do for your bank account.
- Write your passwords down and keep them in a safe place, or even better, use a password vault, like LastPass, to help keep your passwords secure. You’ll only need to remember the master password to login to your accounts, so it’s easier to handle.
- Always logoff your computer if you’re going to step away. It doesn’t take long for someone to change a password.
- Avoid logging into any accounts on public computers or when using public wi-fi. If you have a personal hotspot, this would be a better option.
- If your account has a two-step authentication process option, enable it.
- Keep your security software up-to-date to prevent malware that could capture usernames and passwords.
- Do not share your passwords with anyone.
These password security tips will greatly reduce the chances of your account becoming compromised, however, if you believe your data may have been compromised in a data breach, you can check with your email address at https://haveibeenpwned.com/ .
Network security is also important to keep your data safe. Contact CCSI to get started on creating a plan to keep your data safe that fits both your business needs and budget.
