Five Password Practices for More Secure Accounts

Passwords are one of the best ways to protect your online accounts and information. Strong passwords are especially important for small businesses because weak ones can cause significant problems, like security breaches. Let’s break down how to create and manage passwords the right way.

Make Strong, Unique Passwords

Your passwords should be strong and different for every account. A strong password has at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use easy-to-guess info like your name, birthday, or common words. If creating passwords feels hard, a password generator can help create random, tough-to-crack ones.

Use a Password Manager

Password managers are apps or tools that securely save and organize your passwords. They make it easy to log in without remembering every password yourself. Plus, they can warn you if one of your passwords has been hacked. Choose a trusted password manager with good reviews to keep your information safe.

Add Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they’ll need a second piece of information, like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan, to get into your account. Small businesses should require MFA for important accounts, like email or financial systems.

Change Passwords Regularly

It’s wise to update passwords every few months, especially for accounts that handle sensitive info. This way, even if a password is stolen, it can’t be used for long. Be careful with phishing scams, too—don’t click on suspicious links or share your passwords over email or text.

Teach and Train Your Team

For small businesses, training employees about password safety is key. Regular lessons on creating strong passwords and avoiding cyber threats can help everyone stay alert. When everyone works together to protect accounts, the business stays safer from hackers.

Managing passwords well is something everyone in a business should do. With strong habits, the right tools, and good training, small businesses can protect themselves and their clients from cyberattacks.

Need help with your business’ digital security? The experts at Preferred can guide you. Call us today at 708-781-7110 to learn more.