Even when your company is outfitted with a secure network, it’s always possible that unauthorized third parties could access sensitive data. For a hacker to gain entry to e-mails, financial accounts, and files, they only have to figure out the right passwords that you or your employees may use to protect them. And with many advanced tools and techniques available, cracking these credentials can be a relatively simple task for the skilled cybercriminal. Fortunately, several IT solutions can make this feat next to impossible. To help your company, team, and sensitive data stay safe, here’s what to know about strategic password management.  

How Do You Create a Strong Password?

Use Varied Characters

A strong password will feature a random combination of upper case and lower case letters, numerals, and punctuation marks. This diverse mixture of characters creates countless possibilities, making it harder for automated programs to guess your credentials correctly.  

Avoid Common Words

Using words found in the dictionary—even when they’re combined with numbers—is never a smart practice, as hackers can run programs to crack the code quickly. Rather than using recognizable terms, try using a combination of proper nouns or unusual phrases.

Make It Long

Although most accounts require a password that’s eight characters or longer, it’s generally a good idea to make it longer. One way to do this without forgetting the password is to arrange words to form a unique sentence.

What Are Some Safe Password Practices?

Don’t Log In Over Public WiFi

Although public WiFi can be a convenient IT solution, it’s also a very insecure one that could be riddled with cybersecurity threats. Logging into secure accounts over these networks can instantly provide a hacker with your credentials.

Keep It To Yourself

In the workplace, it’s common for colleagues to share passwords to ease access to information. However, the more people that have the password, the more likely that it will end up in the wrong hands.  

In today’s hyper-connected business world, achieving superior data and network security isn’t always easy. That’s why NextStep Networking is committed to defending Cincinnati, OH, businesses from cybercrime. Through personalized IT consulting, this team will assess your company’s practices to pinpoint and resolve security weaknesses. They also offer managed services that provide 24/7 server monitoring to identify and respond to threats before they cause problems. Visit this tech support specialist online to learn more about these IT solutions or call (513) 792-3400 to schedule a workplace audit.