subject: Password Security for Your Online Business [print this page] Password Security for Your Online Business
Password security is one of the most important things in managing your eBiz. Passwords are the first line of defense to protect confidential personal and business information. Amazingly, some eBiz owners pay little attention to this crucial security measure.
Here are some suggestions given by various computer security companies. Every password should meet these minimum guidelines:
1. It should have upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. The password should be a minimum of 8 characters but the longer the better.
3. It should not include dictionary words, names, email addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, home addresses or telephone numbers.
4. It should not use commonly abbreviated text messaging letters and phrases. These words and letter combinations have been added to the devious password cracking software programs.
5. Do not type passwords in to a document and store it on your computer.
6. A different password should be used for each website or account.
7. Do not write them down and keep them in an easily accessed place near your computer. The first place a hacker physically looks if they have the opportunity is to see if it is taped under your keyboard!
8. Each password should be changed frequently. It used to be recommended that you change them every 90 days. Many now suggest changing them at least once a month. I change mine on the 1st of every month so I will not forget. In some specific cases it may be wise to change it even more often. I have a business colleague that uses MySpace to promote a product. She has been hacked into so many times she changes the password every day. You should pay more attention to securing your most sensitive, vulnerable, or targeted sites.
Here are some sample passwords from the worst to the best:
password (the most commonly used of all)
paSswORd (case changes but still spelled correctly)
sParWdRso (scrambled)
sP5arWdR3so (numbers added)
sP5ar#WdR3!so (special characters added)
The use of what are called passphrases is becoming popular and is even advised by some so called security experts. They may be good as a memory aid but I do not recommend them as the best security measure. An example of a passphrase is Mybossisa#1JERK! Notice it does meet most of the recommended password criteria. I am sure that would be easy to remember. I just fear that as hackers keep improving their algorithms and adding to their databases that they will start catching some of these passphrases. I still recommend something totally random.
It is becoming nearly impossible to remember all the passwords a person needs especially if you are running an eBiz. Many with online businesses have dozens of accounts and websites that are password protected. Password security and managing software makes the task much simpler and secure. These programs will generate a new password, encrypt it, automatically paste it in your login field and enable you to change it with ease when the time comes. Since you will not have to type it in no one can use a keylogger program to steal the password from your keystrokes.
The benefit of this password security software I like the most is that you do not have to remember dozens of passwords! The one I use literally saves me several hours a month. With one click it brings up the web page you want to go to, and then automatically enters your username and password and logs you in. The best password security manager that I use and recommend is called RoboForm.
Be sure to take password security seriously for your eBiz. Doing the best you can to keep your data secure may prevent many costly problems in the future.
Please also read about other essential computer security measures to protect your online business.
