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Password Best Practices

In today's digital landscape, strong passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats. But even the strongest password can be compromised. That's where Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) steps in, providing a crucial second layer of security that's becoming increasingly indispensable.

Understand Your Password's Strength​

To help you create stronger passwords and understand their resilience, we've integrated a helpful tool:

🔐 Password Generator

Generate a secure random password based on your requirements

1099
Password Strength: Very Strong

💡 Tips:

  • Use longer passwords (16+ characters) for better security
  • Include all character types for maximum strength
  • Use a password manager to store generated passwords
  • Never reuse passwords across different accounts

Use this plugin to:

  • Generate Random Passwords: Get instantly strong, complex password suggestions.
  • Test Password Strength: Enter your own password ideas and see an estimated time it would take for a typical computer to crack them. This will visually demonstrate why long, complex, and unique passwords are so important!

Password Best Practices​

Creating and managing strong, unique passwords is fundamental to protecting your digital identity and company data. Follow these best practices diligently:

  • Length Matters: Aim for passwords that are at least 12-16 characters long, but ideally longer. A longer password drastically increases the time it takes for attackers to crack.
  • Mix it Up: Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., !@#$%^&*). Avoid predictable patterns or keyboard sequences (like qwerty or 123456).
  • Uniqueness is Key: Never reuse passwords across different accounts. If one account is compromised, all other accounts using the same password become vulnerable. Think of it like having a different key for every door.
  • Avoid Personal Information: Don't use easily guessable information like your name, birth date, pet's name, or company name. Attackers can often find this information through social media.
  • Be Creative with Passphrases: Instead of a single word, consider a passphrase – a string of unrelated words that's easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess (e.g., correct-horse-battery-staple).
  • Use a Password Manager: This is the most effective way to manage complex, unique passwords for all your accounts. A password manager securely stores your login credentials, generates strong passwords, and often auto-fills them for you. Talk to IT if you need recommendations for a company-approved password manager.
  • Change Default Passwords: Always change default passwords on new devices or services immediately.
  • Don't Write Them Down (Physically): Avoid writing passwords on sticky notes or in easily accessible places.
  • Beware of Phishing: Never enter your password on a website you landed on from a suspicious email or link. Always double-check the URL.

The Critical Importance of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)​

Even if you follow all password best practices and use a super strong, unique password, a determined attacker might still find a way to compromise it. This could happen through sophisticated phishing attacks, large-scale data breaches, or advanced malware. This is precisely why 2FA is absolutely essential and not just an option.

Here's why 2FA is so critical:

  • Adds a Second Layer of Defense: 2FA requires a second piece of information (something you have, like your phone) in addition to something you know (your password). Even if an attacker steals your password, they can't access your account without this second factor.
  • Thwarts Password Theft: If your password is leaked in a data breach, 2FA prevents attackers from logging into your accounts. They'll have your password, but they won't have your phone to approve the login.
  • Protects Against Phishing: Many phishing attacks aim to steal your login credentials. With 2FA enabled, even if you accidentally fall for a phishing scam and enter your password on a fake site, the attacker still won't be able to log in to your real account without the second factor.
  • Verifies Your Identity: Every time you log in from a new device or after a certain period, 2FA re-verifies that you are indeed the legitimate owner of the account.
  • Safeguards Company Data: By protecting individual employee accounts, 2FA significantly strengthens the overall security posture of the company, safeguarding sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access to critical systems.

Think of it this way: Your password is like the lock on your front door. 2FA is like adding a deadbolt, an alarm system, or even a guard dog. It makes it exponentially harder for anyone to get in, even if they manage to pick the first lock.

Action Item​

We strongly encourage and, for critical systems like your company Gmail, require you to enable 2FA on your accounts. If you haven't already, please refer to our guide on "2FA Setup: Company Gmail" to secure your email account.

Do you have any questions about creating strong passwords or enabling 2FA?