PASSWORD MANAGEMENT
Why Your Business Needs A Password Manager
BY RUSSELL QUINN
Trying to remember passwords across multiple accounts is a struggle for all of us. More often than not, we find ourselves lost in a flurry of password resets. At the worst of times, we reset to the same password— only to have it breached. It may seem like we must choose between security and maintaining our sanity. However, since the emergence of password managers, that is simply not the case.
Password managers offer an optimal solution. Let’ s break down why these tools are game-changers and how they can improve both security and productivity.
THE PROBLEM: PASSWORDS ARE A SECURITY WEAKNESS
One of the biggest mistakes people make is password reuse. Many use the same password( or minor variations of it) across multiple accounts. The problem? If a hacker gains access to one password, they will try it everywhere— your email, your bank, your company accounts. And they will get in.
Even more concerning is that these mistakes aren’ t just made by the average person. Even high-level professionals in industries like finance, healthcare, and IT reuse passwords, putting themselves, their companies, and their customers at risk.
COMMON PASSWORD MISTAKES TO AVOID
• Don’ t use simple passwords. If your password is“ Bobby123” or your pet’ s name, you’ re asking for trouble. Hackers know the most common passwords and use automated attacks to crack them.
• Don’ t store passwords in your browser. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge allow you to save passwords, but this is a security risk. If a hacker gains access to your system, they can easily extract all stored passwords.
• Don’ t keep your passwords in spreadsheets or notebooks. Writing them down or saving them in a document on your computer is an open invitation to cybercriminals.
• Don’ t forego using multi-factor authentication( MFA) when it is offered. A strong password is good, but MFA adds an extra layer of security, requiring an additional verification step before access is granted.
THE SOLUTION: PASSWORD MANAGERS
Password managers solve common issues by generating and storing complex passwords for you. Instead of remembering multiple passwords, you only need to remember one master password.
WHY A PASSWORD MANAGER IS WORTH USING
1. Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account A password manager generates long, randomized passwords( e. g., sD8 # 9G!@ 2LpQz) for each account, making them nearly impossible to crack.
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