Secure Your Passwords: Best Practices for Password Security and Integrity

    Welcome to our guide on password security and integrity. In this article, we will provide you with essential tips and practices to protect your passwords and keep your digital accounts secure. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and safeguard your sensitive information. Let's get started!

1. Strong and Unique Passwords

Creating strong and unique passwords is crucial to protect your accounts. Here's what you need to do:

• Use a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make your password complex.
• Avoid using common words, personal information, or predictable patterns that can be easily guessed.
• Make your passwords at least 8-10 characters long to increase their strength.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication is slowly becoming known as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Follow these steps to enable it:

• Wherever possible, enable 2FA/MFA for your accounts. It provides an additional verification step, such as entering a code from your smartphone or using a biometric method like fingerprints.
• Follow the instructions provided to enable 2FA for your account. Here's more help if you experience common problems with 2FA.

3. Password Managers

To simplify password management and enhance security, consider using a password manager. Most of these have browser extension and device apps to help auto-detect a login, and autofill the username/password known for you with that service.

This way you don't have to remember all of your usernames and passwords per service, you only have to remember your username and password for your Password Manager. Here are some general recommendations:

• Avoid using external password managers until an official solution is provided by the company.
• When choosing a password manager (personally), opt for a trusted and reputable option that offers strong encryption and secure storage of your passwords.

4. Practice Good Password Hygiene

Maintain good password hygiene by following these practices:

• Regularly update your passwords for all your accounts, ideally every 3-6 months.
• Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
• Change shared passwords immediately after completing a task that required sharing.

5. Stay Alert to Social Engineering Attacks

Contrary to popular belief, hackers don't hack technology. Hackers often exploit human vulnerabilities through social engineering. Stay vigilant and protect yourself and others:

• Be cautious with unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for your passwords or personal information.
• Think twice before clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Never share your passwords or sensitive information with anyone unless you have verified their legitimacy.

6. Ensure Physical Security

Don't overlook the importance of physical security measures:

• Keep your passwords hidden and confidential. Avoid writing them down on sticky notes or under keyboards.
• Dispose of any physical documents related to passwords securely. Shred or destroy them using recommended methods.
• Never leave portable storage devices like flash drives or external hard drives unattended.

    By implementing these best practices, you can strengthen the security and integrity of your passwords. Remember, it's essential to create strong and unique passwords, enable Two-Factor Authentication where available, and practice good password hygiene. Stay vigilant against social engineering attacks, and maintain physical security to safeguard your passwords effectively.

    We hope this article helps you in maintaining strong password security. For any further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team. Stay secure and protect your digital accounts!

Shaun Rowell, June 7th 2023