Happy International Password Day! Today's a great reminder of the importance of password security.
World Password Day is an opportunity to reinforce the security of our digital lives. Consider these figures and strategies to ensure your passwords are foolproof, all year round.
Best practices for password security
- Password complexity matters: A password of 6 characters can be brute-forced in under an hour. However, extending this to 12 characters with mixed symbols, numbers, and letters can make it nearly unbreakable with current technology.
- Common password pitfalls: The most frequently used passwords, such as '123456' or 'password', are highly insecure. Yet, it’s a surveyed fact that these simple passwords are still in widespread use, making multiple accounts vulnerable to a single attack.
- Rotation and management: Regularly updating passwords significantly reduces the risk of breaches. A strong rotation policy is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies to enhance account security.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): This additional layer requires more than just a password to access an account, providing a secondary defense against unauthorized access.
Regular password rotation is a must
We recommend rotating your passwords every 30 days at least. The more frequent your password rotation, the shorter the time in which a stolen password can be used to access your data.
Regular updates limit the risks associated with password breaches by preventing prolonged unauthorized access.
Simple tips for stronger passwords
- A longer password dramatically increases security. Aim for at least 12 characters.
- Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid common words and phrases; randomness is harder to crack.
Fun password facts
Wait—did we just say “fun” and “password” in the same sentence?
Origin of the computer password: The concept of a computer password was first implemented in the 1960s at MIT on their Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS), designed to secure individual user files.
Prevalence of weak passwords: "123456" and "password" are consistently reported as the most common passwords, pointing to ongoing challenges in user education about security.
Time to crack: A password with just lowercase letters can be cracked in minutes, while one with a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols, especially if 12 or more characters long, could take centuries to decrypt with current brute-force techniques.
Financial consequences of breaches: Cyberattacks involving weak passwords can cost millions, impacting not only financials but also brand reputation and regulatory compliance.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA, which requires more than one method of authentication to verify user identity, significantly enhances security by adding layers that complicate unauthorized access.
Regulatory influence: Laws like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California enforce stricter password policies and security measures, requiring businesses to adopt higher standards for data protection.
Technological advancements: The field of password security evolves with tech advances, much like the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and respond to security incidents faster than ever before.
Global significance: Password Day was established to promote better password habits worldwide.
Okay, so they may not be as fun as we promised—but they are certainly useful!
How to manage passwords in SFTP To Go
At SFTP To Go, we give a fortified and fully managed file transfer and storage solution with intuitive tools and features to ensure that your passwords are not just secure but also securely and effectively managed.
- Setting and rotating passwords: You can easily set or update passwords through the Credentials tab. Choose to either generate a random password, which adheres to your organization's security policy, or set a custom password.
- Password policies: It’s vital to enforce strong password policies. Ensure your passwords are complex enough—mix up letters, numbers, and symbols. In SFTP To Go, you can define these requirements in the settings, making sure all user passwords meet the minimum security standards.
- Automated reminders: Our system shows the age of each password and can alert you when it’s time to change them, helping you stay compliant with best practices without having to keep track manually.
Security beyond passwords
While passwords are a central security element, fortifying your credentials with public key authentication is another step up. In SFTP To Go, you can add SSH keys to your credentials for a more secure login method that doesn't rely solely on passwords.
To learn more about SFTP To Go, Read This.
Remember, effective password management is a key defense against persistent cyber threats.
Use today—International Password Day—as a prompt to review and upgrade your password practices. Secure your data with SFTP To Go by ensuring your passwords are strong, rotated regularly, and complemented by our strong authentication options.
