As an App Founder, What Do I Need to Know about Passwords?

Note: This article was originally published on our website, Matraex.com. To see this and other informative content that is geared towards answering your app development and tech questions, visit our Insights Page. Enjoy!

Passwords are an essential part of any application or website security system. They provide a layer of protection that prevents unauthorized access to your software and its data. Passwords also help to protect user data including credit card information, addresses, and any other private information from being accessed by the wrong people. Furthermore, passwords are a way to validate user identity and to ensure that only authorized users can access the application and its data.

In this article, we will be answering the following questions:

• How long and difficult should a password be?
• How often is it recommended that users change passwords?
• What types of businesses require a higher level of password security?
• What features can be added to my app to increase password security?

How long and difficult should a password be?

The longer and more intricate a password is, the harder it will be to figure out and subsequently? break into a system. The following is commonly recommended regarding length and complexity of passwords:

• Create passwords that are at least 8 characters long.
• Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using common words or personal information in passwords.
• Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

More characters, capital letters, numbers, and a special character or two can greatly increase the difficulty related to determining what a password is. Below is a chart showing exactly how longer and more intricate passwords greatly increase the amount of time it will take a computer to figure out a password.?

How often is it recommended that users change passwords?

It is often recommended that passwords be changed every 3-6 months. Passwords can be exposed over time, either through malicious activities or because of password reuse. By changing passwords, it ensures that if passwords were obtained, the person who acquired it cannot use it for any extended amount of time. Also, if passwords are reused on multiple accounts, changing the password regularly helps to ensure that if one account is compromised, that other accounts are not also at risk.

What types of businesses require a higher level of password security?

1. Banks and financial institutions store and manage customers’ financial information including credit card and Social Security numbers. Therefore, strong password security is essential to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access to this sensitive info.?
2. Health apps store highly sensitive medical information including medical records, insurance information, and prescription information. In addition, they are subject to the HIPAA law that states that no sensitive patient info can be disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. Strong password security is necessary to ensure that information is kept confidential and to protect against potential data breaches.
3. Retailers including online businesses retain their customers’ personal information, which includes credit card numbers, home addresses, and phone numbers. Strong password security is necessary to protect information from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
4. Government Agencies store and manage sensitive information including national security information, tax records, and other confidential information. Strong password security is needed to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

What features can be added to my app to increase password security?

An app founder has many options to choose from to increase their app’s security:

• Requiring a minimum password length. This is done by setting a minimum character limit to passwords.
• Requiring a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols in a password.
• Requiring users to change their password every 3-6 months.
• Two-factor authentication. This adds a second layer of security, such as a code sent to a user’s email or phone and helps to ensure that only the intended user gains access to an account.
• Utilizing a password manager, which helps users generate strong, unique passwords for each of their accounts.
• Logging failed password attempts and locking out users after a certain number of failed attempts.
• Adding Captchas to login requirements. A Captcha is a challenge response test that is required as part of the login process to make certain that the one logging in is human.
• Requiring one-time passwords when registering with an app. One-time passwords are temporary passwords that are only valid for a single use and are used to authenticate users on websites or applications.
• Adding biometric authentication. Biometric authentication uses a user’s physical characteristics such as fingerprints or voice recognition to verify their identity.

An app founder may want to discuss the different features that will increase app security with their app developer to determine what features would make sense for their app.

Do you have a question about app development? Matraex would like to be your go-to place for answers. You can leave us a question on our Google Business Profile, contact us through our website, or leave a question via our chat feature on the website. You can also sign up for our newsletter. Let us help you become more informed so you can make decisions that will best suit you.

#newsletter #appdevelopment #passwords