Best Password Practices

Introduction

Passwords serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your account and potentially, the organization's confidential data. Understanding and applying strong password practices is crucial for security.

Why Strong Passwords Matter

A strong password can be the difference between keeping your account secure and falling victim to a security breach. Weak passwords are easier to crack, making your account and any associated data vulnerable.

Creating a Strong Password

Length: Aim for at least 12 characters.
Complexity: Use a mix of upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
Unpredictability: Do not use easily guessable information like birthdays, names, or common phrases.
Uniqueness: Each password should be unique to each service or application.

Password Management

Regular Changes: Change your password every 60 to 90 days.
No Reuse: Do not reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
Password Managers: Consider using a reputable password manager to store and manage your passwords.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an additional layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.

Password Reset Procedures

Email Verification: Typically, you'll receive an email to reset your password. Ensure the email is from a trusted source before proceeding.
Security Questions: Choose questions and answers that are hard for others to guess.
Immediate Change: Once you've regained access, change your password immediately.

Conclusion

Strong password practices are essential for safeguarding your account and the organization's data. Always aim for complexity, length, and uniqueness, while also taking advantage of extra security measures like two-factor authentication.