Passwords, Passwords…
Or “Why Aren’t We Serious About Our Security”
My January 2017 post on passwords is here…but I am revisiting this.
It’s a conundrum to me — why in 2017 when privacy, security and different cyber attacks (ransomware, etc.) are daily news, that so few people actually take a little effort to increase their personal security?
This effort would not only make life a little less stressful (you can actually have reasonable confidence that you are less exposed…), but it makes your online life a lot easier!
So, here is a look at the data…along with a few recommendations for immediate steps you can take!
Pew Research Center Survey
“This survey finds that a majority of Americans have directly experienced some form of data theft or fraud, that a sizeable share of the public thinks that their personal data have become less secure in recent years, and that many lack confidence in various institutions to keep their personal data safe from misuse. In addition, many Americans are failing to follow digital security best practices in their own personal lives, and a substantial majority expects that major cyberattacks will be a fact of life in the future.”
“In today’s digitally connected world, where accessing medical records, ordering groceries and paying taxes can all be done online, many internet users find it daunting to keep up with all the various passwords associated with their online accounts. One consequence is that a significant minority of users settle for less secure passwords they can more easily remember.”
As the chart above indicates, those internet users that have a hard time “keeping track of passwords” are those that find it most challenging.
That statement makes sense. HOWEVER, if it can be LESS challenging and REDUCE the pain we tolerate, why don’t we change?
Because it is CHANGE! But we have to do it!
Basics to Get Started
So you want to at least start to get serious about managing your online security…
Here are two recommendations — just two!:
FORGET ABOUT REMEMBERING PASSWORDS
This means implementing a password manager and having access across all of your devices. It’s easy — just. do. it.
Pick one and get started. I use LastPass ($12 per year, with a free option available), but pick one that you are comfortable with.
USE 2-FACTOR VERIFICATION / AUTHENTICATION
“Two Factor Authentication, also known as 2FA, two step verification or TFA (as an acronym), is an extra layer of security that is known as “multi factor authentication” that requires not only a password and username but also something that only, and only, that user has on them, i.e. a piece of information only they should know or have immediately to hand — such as a physical token.”
For accounts that contain sensitive information, I highly recommend doing this! For instance, email, cloud storage, financial accounts, etc. — if they offer 2 factor authentication — DO. IT.
Here are a few resources:
About Don
“On a mission to challenge the status quo to a more productive and effective end…”
Don is passionate about helping professionals and organizations keep up and adapt to the changing business world that we operate in.
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