If you've been in any kind of corporate setting, you've probably have had some cyber-security training. But, for those that haven’t had a new security director in a while, this will give you something to keep avoiding that project you’re supposed to be working on right now. Don’t worry, we won’t tell.
Today we're going to be looking at an easy and powerful way to secure your accounts. To put it simply, without a secure account, you are at risk of exposing your digital self to hackers. This security prevents access to your company data, but most importantly, your personal information that could be used against you.
For those that aren't familiar with MFA (multi-factor authentication), also commonly called 2FA (2-factor authentication), we'll take a look at why it is so utterly important for business owners or really anyone to enable this on all of your accounts that host important data.
Typically, without MFA hackers only have to crack your password to access your account. This may be done easily, depending on how well you choose your passwords. Enabling MFA makes it incredibly difficult for hackers, because now they have to have access to another account, or in best case scenarios have to abduct your mobile device and ALSO hack into that (good luck). While choosing a strong password can be frustrating, since you now have to remember all of the different renditions of the same password you’ve been using since you started your first myspace page in 2003, it is important now, more than ever, to think outside the box.
A password manager is a good place to start to keep up with the more complicated passwords, so you don’t have to write them down on a post-it note beside your desk. Google has its own password manager that will help you keep track of all of those so you don’t have to remember them (although, it’s helpful to remember, it’s not necessary!).
Tips on that can be found here as written by Reggie T Davis, a professional on the subject. Shout out to Reggie for demystifying cyber-security in an entertaining and genuine fashion.
“Listen up, y'all. Strong passwords are like your mama's cooking: they gotta be good and hearty, and you gotta keep 'em fresh. Don't use weak passwords, 'cause they're like easy pickin' for hackers. And don't use the same password for all your accounts, 'cause that's just askin' for trouble. So follow my tips, and keep your passwords safe and sound.
- Make your passwords long and strong. (That’s what she said). The longer and more complex your password is, the harder it will be for hackers to crack it. Aim for at least 12 characters, and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Use different passwords for different accounts. If you use the same password for all of your accounts, if a hacker gets ahold of one password, they'll have access to all of your accounts. Use different passwords for each account to make it harder for hackers to break into your digital life.
- Don't use easily guessed passwords. Avoid using common words, phrases, and personal information in your passwords, such as your name, birthday, or address. Hackers know these common passwords and will try them first.
- Change your passwords regularly. It's a good idea to change your passwords every few months, especially for important accounts like your bank account and email. This will help to keep your accounts safe even if a hacker does get ahold of one of your passwords.
Here are some additional tips to help you create and manage strong passwords:
- Use a password manager to help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all of your online accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
- Be careful about what links you click on and what attachments you open. Phishing emails are a common way for hackers to steal passwords and other personal information.”
*Above in the banner is an example of where you would find this feature on most platforms