Passwords—you use them every day. And let’s face it: people don’t want to forget their passwords so they tend to use a password that’s easy to remember. Using a numeric birthday or even “mikaylalovescats” might not be as secure as you might have hoped.

As technology continuously evolves, it calls on us to change too. Using the same password for every account since 2005 may have been an okay choice then. In today’s world? It’s cyber suicide. There are some things you can do to keep your Oklahoma cybersecurity strong, starting with a strong password.

What Makes a Strong Password?

Maybe your five character simple password feels good enough for you, and you don’t know exactly what makes one password less hackable than another. Here’s a guideline to follow for creating a strong password: 

  • Longer than 8 characters
  • Include symbols and numbers
  • Not easily guessable
Examples of a strong password might be “h3&WYv%4o^G” or “8zkaw-m2FXu”. Both passwords have 12 characters with a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and some special characters. The combination of different letter case along with numbers and special characters makes a password difficult to guess or infiltrate, keeping you in the clear.

Tips to Create a Strong and Secure Password 

When planning out a strong password, the first step would be to come up with a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols. As a company or as employees, think of something that you’re able to remember, while ensuring that it isn’t something that can be easily guessed by others.

It can be helpful to use a phrase and mix in special characters that can add additional support, making it more difficult for anyone without authorization to access. 

  Pro Tip: Never reveal or share your passwords with other employees or anyone else in order to keep your accounts well-protected. Following proper guidelines can keep your company’s systems safely managed without any infiltration.

Password Managers: Can You Trust Them?

Maybe you have trouble remembering passwords and are interested in investing in a password manager. This can be especially useful for businesses with dozens of passwords for different sites that need to change regularly for optimal security. Password managers act as a password vault keeping information protected but accessible all while bettering your Oklahoma cybersecurity. But can you trust them?

The short answer is yes; password managers are typically encrypted, which means your information is safe from potential hackers. Most password managers have two-factor authentication as well. You’ll get an additional code sent to your phone or email before being able to access the manager itself which provides an extra cushion of protection.

45 million internet users in the United States use password managers to store their passwords and that number is only growing due to the relief it brings when it’s time to update your password again.

Change Passwords Regularly for Added Protection

When it comes to your business, the main thing that can benefit your Oklahoma cybersecurity is enforcing a strong password changing rule. This means that passwords must be changed every so often, typically every 90 days or so.

At least 1/3 of online users never change their passwords, which is a decision that can directly put your Oklahoma cybersecurity at risk if you’re one of them. Encouraging your staff to use strong passwords and have a policy in place for password changing can help protect the security of your company and its customers for the long run.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) as a Solution

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), is a great way to protect yourself from hackers. Most MFA programs require users to input two different types of information—typically a password and a code that is sent to the user’s device or email.

MFA helps your cybersecurity stay strong by adding an extra layer of authentication, making it harder for hackers to get into your account. MFA programs can help protect not only yourself but also data stored in the cloud and other sensitive information.

Partner With iTology for Optimal Oklahoma Cybersecurity

With iTology, you can rest assured that your company is in good hands. Even as the world continually becomes cyber-centric, you’ll have the expert team at iTology by your side to ensure that your Oklahoma cybersecurity is top-notch.

If you’ve been considering upgrading your cybersecurity or even if you just need help bettering your password protocol, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.