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Stay Secure: Password Policy for Small Businesses

Businesses are greatly dependent on the internet these days. They conduct operations, transact with banks, and strike partnerships online. And it is likely that businesses are using different kinds of programs and software applications to fulfill certain tasks.

However, a lot of businesses are actually quite careless when it comes to their passwords. Being too lax about these aspects puts your business in danger. The wrong people may access your trade secrets, and hackers may have a field day taking your money from your online bank accounts. In this regard, it would be wise to come up with a strong password policy that will be implemented across your company.

Here are some of the things that will help you get started:

Keep passwords strong

One of the foundations of a great password policy is by making sure that the passwords of your software and business accounts are strong. Your employees are also encouraged to do the same to their corporate devices. Your passwords are not supposed to have personal meanings and components. It would be best if you avoided birth dates and anniversary dates. It is important that you use random combinations of letters and symbols. Some IT infrastructure consultants actually recommend that numbers and symbols are not bunched together in a simple password; keep them separate and in between letters.

Different accounts should require different passwords.

Many businesses are guilty of this: they use the same passwords for different devices and accounts. This is a bad habit that should not be included in your policy. When one password is cracked, hackers and online burglars will be able to unlock all the devices in your company. So, as much as possible, use a different and unique password for every device. While you are at it, passwords are supposed to be changed frequently. Make this a strict provision in your policy, so your employees will comply.

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Use a management tool.

Remembering all the passwords can be daunting and difficult. But there’s a solution to that: a password management tool. Password management applications are made to store and manage your passwords. Some even generate passwords that you can use for creating new accounts. Password management tools can also alert you if you are visiting a malicious and phishing website. You will have to make sure that your password management app has a reputation for stringency and security.

Be specific with your policy provisions.

It is a no-brainer that you and your employees are not supposed to discuss your password policy with anyone. On top of that, your policy should also be evolving, knowing that hackers and cybercriminals are becoming more creative when it comes plotting illegal access. Review and revise your policy; it would be wise to seek the help of a cybersecurity professional.

Stay safe!

Passwords are the keys to your online assets, and just like a regular house key, they should be managed well. They should be secured properly and entrusted to the right people. It also helps if you see the help of trustworthy and reputable companies when it comes to password management.