“Yes, Mom...of course I know your passwords, you’ve never changed them. Which one do you need this time?” 😆
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, your password is the digital key to your business. It keeps all your important information secure, from your contacts in the CRM to your banking details. But let’s face it—passwords can be a pain to manage! So, let’s make it easy with some simple but effective tips to protect your business from digital boogies and bad guys.
1. Passphrases Are the New Passwords
Forget about “123456” or “password” (yes, people still use these!). The key to a strong password is length, and that’s where passphrases come in. A passphrase is a series of random words or a short sentence that’s easy for you to remember but tough for hackers to crack. For example, “PurplePuppyPlaysPiano!"—fun, right? Just make sure it’s unique and not something that can be guessed based on your social media.
2. Mix It Up
A good passphrase should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. However, don’t just swap out “o” for “0" or “a” for "@.” Hackers know these tricks! Instead, get creative: “HappyJeep123!” is way more secure than “Passw0rd123.”
3. One Password, One Account
It’s tempting to use the same password for everything (because, seriously, who can remember them all?). But here’s the problem: if one account gets hacked, every other account with that same password is now in danger. Make it a habit to use unique passwords for every account. Yes, it’s more work, but it’s worth the peace of mind.
4. Embrace the Magic of Password Managers
Let’s be real—keeping track of all those passwords can feel like wrangling cats. That’s where password managers come in! A password manager is like a vault that stores all your passwords in one secure place. It can generate complex passwords for you and autofill them when needed. Bonus: you only need to remember one master password to unlock your vault (just make it a good one!).
My favorite Password Manager is LastPass. I have personally used them for business and my home life. Click here and you can test out their password manager for NO cost! I am able to use LastPass from every device I own, from phone to tablets to computers. I am never scrambling for my passwords or usernames!
5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Is Your Friend
This extra layer of protection is a game-changer. Even if someone gets your password, 2FA requires them to have a second piece of information, like a code sent to your phone. It’s like having a deadbolt on your digital door. Turn it on wherever you can—especially for important accounts like your email, banking, and CRM. OH! AND Facebook. Here is how to turn on 2FA for Facebook.
6. Regularly Update Your Passwords
I know, I know—updating passwords is no one’s idea of a good time. But think of it like changing the locks on your house. Aim to update your passwords every few months, especially for sensitive accounts. And if you hear about a data breach, change them immediately!
7. Beware of Phishing Attacks
No matter how strong your password is, it’s only as secure as the way you use it. Hackers often try to trick you into giving up your password through phishing emails or fake websites. Always double-check the source before clicking on links or entering login information. NO one requires a credit card to verify who you are. IF you did click and put a credit or debit card in, call your bank or credit card company ASAP!
8. Educate Your Team
As much as you can lock down your own accounts, your team also needs to be in the loop. Make sure everyone knows the importance of strong passwords and good security habits. One weak link can put your entire business at risk. Cough cough. Another huge vote for LastPass. You can share passwords with your team without them ever seeing them!!!
Final Thoughts
All of the above may seem like a lot of work and a pain in the drain—until you are hacked, spoofed, or can no longer access your own accounts. Trust me, when that happens, you’ll wish you had taken these steps sooner.
Stay Nerdy and Cyber Safe. AND when in doubt, reach out!
Brooke
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