Making Your Network Passwords Secure and Good Practices

Making Your Network Passwords Secure and Good Practices

In today’s connected world, securing your network begins with something as simple, yet crucial, as a strong password. Weak or easily guessed passwords are a leading cause of security breaches, giving hackers a way into your network and sensitive data. But with a few key practices, you can ensure that your network passwords are robust, secure, and not easily compromised.

Why Strong Passwords Matter

A password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access. The stronger your password, the more difficult it is for cybercriminals to crack it, whether through brute force attacks or social engineering. In a brute force attack, hackers try every possible combination of characters until they find the correct one. This process becomes exponentially harder and time-consuming with a longer and more complex password.

Bad Passwords and Why They’re Dangerous

Some passwords are particularly bad choices because they’re common, predictable, or too short, making them easy targets for hackers. Here are some examples of bad passwords and why they should be avoided:

1. "123456" One of the most common passwords globally, this sequence is an obvious choice for hackers. It can be cracked almost instantly with a brute force attack.
2. "password" While easy to remember, using "password" as your password offers zero security. Hackers routinely try this as one of their first guesses.
3. "qwerty" This sequence follows the first six letters on a keyboard and is just as predictable and weak as "123456."
4. "admin" Using "admin" for network access, especially for administrator accounts, is a big security risk. It is one of the first guesses hackers will try when targeting business networks.
5. "letmein" Phrases like "letmein" are common because they’re easy to type and remember, but they’re also easy to guess or brute force.
6. "password123" Adding a few numbers to "password" doesn’t make it much more secure. Hackers can easily guess such predictable combinations.

Good Practices for Strong Passwords

To enhance your network security, you should follow these best practices for creating strong passwords:

1. Use a mix of characters Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (e.g., @, #, $, &). The more variety, the harder it becomes to guess your password.

2. Make it long Aim for at least 12 to 16 characters. Longer passwords exponentially increase the time it takes for a brute force attack to succeed.

3. Avoid personal information Don’t use easily accessible information like your name, birthdate, or favorite sports team. Hackers often gather this data through social engineering.

4. Use passphrases Instead of a single word, use a passphrase that’s harder to guess but easier to remember. For example, "Sunshine$Mountain@1985" is more secure than "password123."

5. Regularly update your passwords Change your passwords every few months to reduce the risk of long-term exposure, especially for sensitive accounts like network access.

6. Use unique passwords for each account Never reuse passwords across multiple sites or systems. If one account is compromised, the others will remain secure.

7. Consider using a password manager Password managers can generate and store complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts, making it easier to maintain strong security without having to remember them all.

Check the Strength of Your Password

Want to know how long it would take a hacker to crack your password? There are online tools available that can give you a good estimate. Websites like HowSecureIsMyPassword.net and LastPass Password Strength Checker allow you to enter a password and see how quickly it could be cracked using a brute force attack. These tools also provide tips on how to make your password stronger.

Note: Be sure not to input real passwords you currently use into any online service. These tools should be used for educational purposes or to test the strength of new passwords.

Check for Data Breach Leaks

Another vital step in securing your network passwords is to check if any of your existing passwords have been compromised in a data breach. Websites like HaveIBeenPwned.com allow you to enter your email or username to see if any of your accounts have been involved in a breach. If your information shows up, it’s critical to change those passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

Conclusion

A strong, secure password is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your network from attacks. By following these best practices and staying aware of potential vulnerabilities, you can safeguard your business from unauthorized access and data breaches. Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, prevention is always better than reaction, and your password is where that prevention begins. At IOT World, we encourage everyone to take password security seriously and help create a safer, more secure digital environment.