People Are Still Not Using Secure Passwords Despite Warnings

It's 2022 and after years of warning people repeatedly about the dangers of using the same old passwords and using the same password across multiple websites, you would think this would get better. You would think we'd have that problem solved and there would be one less network security risk to worry about.

Unfortunately, if you think that you would be wrong.

Poor passwords  affect your companies cybersecurity.

Even now, after endless hours of email safety training and articles just like this one published by the hundreds all over the web, people are still gravitating to the same garbage passwords and still reusing them across multiple websites they frequent.

In fact, it's even worse than that, if recent research by SpyCloud is any indication. They poured over data containing 1.7 billion username and password combinations gleaned from 755 leaked sources in 2021. Based on their research, a staggering 64 percent of people are still using the same password exposed in one data breach for other accounts.

Keep in mind that Google now comes right out and tells Chrome users how many of their saved passwords are at risk for exactly that. Even with the information staring them in the face, significantly more than half of all users won't change their habits.

These statistics must be taken with a grain of salt because the methodology is somewhat imprecise.  It doesn't matter if the actual percentage is five points or so lower because the broader issue remains the same.

By now, everyone knows the risks that bad passwords pose.  Everyone is aware of the dangers of using the same password to access multiple web properties and yet, nothing is changing.

Until there is a tangible financial cost imposed, either by companies beginning to fine users with bad passwords or hackers taking full advantage of those weak passwords and financially punishing those using them, it's not going to change.  It's a real pity it has come to that.

Are you concerned about the cyber threat your employees can be to your company? SpartanTec, Inc. can provide employee training and network security monitoring. Call us today.

SpartanTec, Inc.
800 25th Ave S #4320
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 418-4792
https://www.spartantec.com/

Basic Network Security Tips For Small Businesses

If you believe that your company is at a low risk of experiencing cyberattacks just because it’s too small to be noticed by cybercriminals, then now is the time to change your perspective when it comes to network security. Semantec’s 2016 threat data revealed that about 43% of all cyberattacks involved small businesses. It’s a massive 25% increase from the 18%, recorded back in 2011. Nowadays, one out of 40 small businesses carefully select their victims by focusing on easy targets.

Make sure that your data of your small business stays secure using the basic network security tips.

Educate Your Staff

Human error is one of the major threats that small businesses face. This may include blunders like leaving confidential accounts open on computers that are shared, failing to change passwords on a regular basis, downloading infected files accidentally, and giving out important details through phishing scams.

You need to educate your workers about cybersecurity. This can help you mitigate the risk to your network. Teach them how they can identify signs of a phishing scam and what needs to be done in case they become a victim. Additionally, don’t forget to discuss why software updates are essential and how to update personal and business devices.

Be sure that you’ve set up computer security policies and that your workers understand these policies. These should include rules about network and device access, frequency of changing passwords, best file sharing practices, security application rules, reporting process on stolen or lost devices, and many more.

Update The Software

An outdated software is a threat that cybercriminals can exploit. Whether it’s a financial software, a CMS, operating systems, or anti-virus programs, you have to concentrate in updating all your software. Hackers like older software because they know exactly where the loopholes are. By updating your software, the security vulnerabilities are patched up and the functionality is improved to protect companies against malware, viruses, as well as other types of hacking.

Protect Your WiFi

The Wi-Fi network of your company could serve as an entry point for cybercriminals. But there are some steps you could take to make sure that your internet connection is secured.

All the data that will pass through your network should be encrypted and you should use a firewall, too. The router must be password protected and employees should be the only ones who should have access to it. You must consider concealing your network so others cannot try to access. You can do this by setting up the router so it won’t broadcast the name of your network.

Use A VPN

Always use a virtual private network or VPN. It adds an additional layer of security when you are browsing the web. This holds true when you’re trying to access your files using unsecured or public networks. VPN providers will channel your data first through the services and then mask the IP address and then encrypt your data so that your browsing history and passwords are kept protected from cybercriminals.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

If possible, use two factor authentication all the time. Cloud databases are almost always hijacked every time the users fail to switch on authentication or if they have left the outdated versions exposed. You need to take the vulnerabilities of cloud infrastructure as a serious threat. You should set safe practices in place when you are using or trying to access cloud services. Never pass the responsibility involving security to your cloud service.

Cybersecurity remains a huge problem for companies of all sizes. However, taking the needed precautions will significantly reduce the risk of becoming the next victim of cyber criminals.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you need the help of IT professionals in securing your network especially these days when cybercriminals are lurking everywhere just waiting to exploit any vulnerability they could find.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 420-9760
https://www.spartantec.com/