Is your organization protected by a strong password policy? If not, you should take a look at some of the tips outlined in this post to ensure that does not become an issue for you.Password policies are set in place to protect users from identity theft and to make it more difficult for hackers, cyber criminals and other foul players to get into your network.

Password policies can vary from organization to organization, but certain password rules should be universal for all organizations. Let’s take a look at six important steps for creating a strong password policy.

The importance of not using personal information in password security cannot be stressed enough; we’ve all heard the stories. By using personal information for your passwords, you’re allowing bad actors to guess and hack into that one account (and then everything else associated with it). This isn’t the only thing that should be kept in mind, though! If your password policy is based around easier guidelines, people are less likely to follow it or remember it. On the other hand, passwords with complicated twists are more difficult for bad actors to guess – but can prove unrealistic for everyday users trying to remember which password to use. When creating a password policy, the most important thing is to create something that will be followed by users and hard for bad actors to guess. Luckily, it’s not as complicated as you might think. Here are some tips on how you can create a strong password policy:

Do Not Use Personal Information

Using personal information as your password is never a bright idea when it comes to keeping your data safe. Instead of using something like your last name, be creative and use a system of complex numbers and letters that is harder to guess. Passwords should only allow the use of alphanumeric characters and special symbols; never include details such as a user’s name, birth date or other personal information in their password.

Do Not Use Real Words

Instead of using real words commonly found in daily life, think of new ways to keep your information safe. For example, instead of using a password such as ‘orange’ try something like ‘85ango4e.’ The more complex the better.

Create Longer Passwords

This can be done by using pass-phrases instead of passwords – this means long sentences known only to your user, such as “My most beloved dog is named Rusty!.” Passwords must be at least 12 characters long, and the password must include at least one number and symbol; more is better (i.e., more symbols, numbers, uppercase/lowercase letters).

Modify Easy-To-Remember Phrases

If your passwords are simple phrases such as ‘golden hour’ or ‘beach day’ you are going to need to think about making some more complex passwords to keep your information safe.

Don’t Write Them Down

Never write down your passwords, either on paper or digitally – this way, if your device is ever lost or stolen, your passwords are still protected.

Change Passwords Frequently 

Change passwords on a regular basis. Passwords must be changed at least once every three months for all users (not more than once every two weeks).

When establishing a password policy within your organization, it’s important you communicate all information regarding user access and credentials with employees, so they are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Failure to do so could lead to a major security incident within your organization, putting its data at risk for being compromised.

The goal of any good password policy is to ensure the best possible security measures are in place across the entire organization; if employees understand what they’re supposed to be doing with regards to passwords, you can keep your data safe.

It’s important for organizations of all types and sizes to establish a strong password policy framework, so that employees know how they should be handling their credentials. If users don’t understand what is expected of them with regards to their IT access credentials, it’s very likely they won’t do the right thing. As a result, this could potentially lead to a major security incident within your organization, putting its data at risk for being compromised by hackers.

Always remember, the more complicated and difficult a password policy is, the harder it will be for users to remember. Instead, create a policy that is easy to remember and difficult to guess. Don’t forget to contact Bayshore Interactive today for all of your I.T. needs.