Security is top of mind for the team. We discuss with clients about being prudent with security and sharing best practices, and We’ve run into multiple people with forgotten password issues. Everyone should worry about security, at least a little, to ensure they are doing the basics well and learning some best practices.
The easiest place to start is with your passwords. We all have too many of them and tend to reuse the same one for multiple programs or websites. Definitely a no, no. The big security concern is that if you use the same password for multiple sites, and it is ever compromised (you know it will be at some point), the bad guys can log in to all of the other sites (Easy to give that stolen login a try on the standard sites like Facebook, different banks, etc.).
How to keep your password safe? Use a password manager!
I have used a password manager for years. I use a password manager called 1Password. It works great and once you get used to leveraging a platform like this, there is no need to worry about multiple passwords at all. The only password you really need to remember is the one for 1Password. Basically, the 1Password platform integrates with your computer, web browsers, and smartphone/tablets. The system can auto-generate a complex password for the applications and websites you access and securely encrypt and store the information. From there when you go to access LinkedIn for example and you are prompted to login, 1Password will offer up an option to auto-fill in your username and password. You never need to know the complex auto-generated password that was created for each site. Super easy. You can also share logins (showing or even not showing the password) with others and give someone emergency access to everything if there is ever an occasion to do so.
The advantage that 1Password has over other password managers is that uses double secure encryption to help protect your password data. Basically like all password managers your data is encrypted which is a must. 1Password adds another layer of encryption by encrypting the data again but you keep the pass key. In the end, even if 1Password was hacked and they got your encrypted password file, no amount of effort would work to gain access since it is encrypted a second time and only you can access your data.
Have any questions just shoot me an email or give me a ring at 630.547.7011. Now go get more secure!
