THINK YOUR PASSWORD IS SECURE?
In 2014, nearly half of Americans had their personal information exposed by hackers. But choosing a complex or obscure password and changing it often can keep your data secure, even when your information is stolen. Here are some important realities to consider when choosing your next password. SIZE MATTERS Adding a single character to a password boosts its security exponentially. A password cracker utilizes a list of common passwords to discern the right one, so simply adding a single character can make that effort much more difficult. Here’s how adding just one character can increase the time it takes to crack a password:
CONSIDER CHARACTER TYPES Combining several types of characters (letters, numbers, cases, and special characters) is an effective way to make your password more cryptic. For example, the password “Password” can be cracked in just under the time it would take lightning to strike. But the password “P@ssw0rD” would take 14 years to crack. UPDATE OFTEN As technology evolves and hackers become increasingly proficient, passwords weaken. A password that was considered strong just a couple years ago likely isn’t nearly as effective today. That’s why it’s so important to update your passwords at least every few months. For example, when looking at how long it takes to crack the password “security1,” in the year 2000, it would have taken 3 years and 10 months, whereas in the year 2016, it took only 3 months. You can take just a few easy steps to exponentially minimize the risk of a password breach. Size is most important, so use at least 12 characters. Add a mix of characters and change your passwords every few months. Also be sure to steer clear of commonly used passwords, dictionary words, and popular terms. And don’t repeat passwords — come up with a new one for every account. These simple steps can give you so much more security and peace of mind. NEED NETWORKING OR COMPUTER HELP?
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“abcdefg” (7 characters) = .29 milliseconds
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“abcdefgh” (8 characters) = 5 hours
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“abcdefghi” (9 characters) = 5 days
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“abcdefghij” (10 characters) = 4 months
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“abcdefghijk” (11 characters) = 1 decade
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“abcdefghijkl” (12 characters) = 2 centuries
SPOTLIGHT ON JUSTIN HENINGER
Justin has been an IT engineer with AZCOMP
for five years and is excited about the shifting focus on the important role users play in their own
Call our direct support line: 480-730-3055 Create a support ticket via email: ithelp@azcomp.com
security with technology. “We always educate and train our clients on best practices for their systems,” Justin says. “These days, there’s a lot we can do from a security standpoint, but without proper team training and measures in place, great security really doesn’t matter. Hackers can trick their way in, especially via email.”
Learn more about how to get unlimited computer and networking support at azcomp.com/it. DOWNLOAD OUR FREE REPORT
Protect Your Data What every small business owner must know about protecting & preserving their
“What every small business owner must know about protecting & preserving their company’s critical data & computer systems!” covers the essential information you need to know to keep your network safe. If you aren’t up to date on the latest in security, then your network will be at risk.
company’s critical data & computer systems!
Innovation and improvement are the names of the game, but even engineers like Justin know there’s a point at which technology must bow to the end user. “I always like to recommend that businesses host yearly security awareness training for their employees to stay up to date with changes,” he says. “Also, remind your team not to mix personal accounts into their work. It’s just another way for harmful junk to get through.” AZCOMP prides itself on being at the forefront of good technology and good practices. People like Justin are the ones who get us there.
If you depend on your computer network to run your business, this is one report you DON’T want to skip!
This report is available for free at azcomp.com/protect. Download it today to ensure your computer systems are as secure as possible. With this report, you will have peace of mind and can spend time enjoying the start of summer without worrying about the safety of your network and data.
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