A recent study analyzed 10 million passwords leaked in various data breaches throughout 2016. The most common password, once again, is ‘123456.’ A whopping 17% of users trust ‘123456’ to safeguard their online accounts! The study also found that four of the top 10 most common passwords were six characters or less. Brute-forcing techniques will have those passwords cracked in seconds.

Don’t fall into this trap. If your passwords are common and easy for you to remember, they’re likely to be easy for hackers as well. Use these password tips to keep your data secure.

Password Security Tips

1. Encourage employees to use a password manager. Studies show users are not getting any better at creating unique, strong, random, and unpredictable passwords. Password managers are the best way to help solve the problem and protect online accounts.
2. Remind employees about the dangers. Provide education on the dangers of weak passwords and the risk of online accounts being compromised. Risks include identity fraud, data breach, account takeover, and more.
3. Remind employees that data security is a team effort. Users put up resistance when it comes to the trade-off of security vs. convenience. But every player counts and participation is needed to maintain strong security.
4. Do not leave passwords set with the default. Change default passwords.
5. Do not use dictionary words. Brute-forcing tools use dictionary libraries to guess passwords.
6. Do not use repeating keyboard patterns. Many of the most common passwords follow patterns.

Cyber Liability Insurance

At a time when technology and the risks associated with it affect everybody, is your business protected with data security and privacy coverage? Don’t put your business at risk of financial and reputational damage. To learn more about cyber liability insurance, contact your local Society agent.