The Importance of Securing Your Information

October 15, 2021

Technology has come a long way. And along with the multitude of benefits that came with the rapid growth of technology came some issues, one of which is cybersecurity.

Many businesses today rely on technology for the majority of the processes that occur within their organization. From simple document filings to financial transactions, companies rely on technology to make sure that these tasks get accomplished. Since these tasks are done through the use of technology, they are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. 

Businesses should be as diligent with their cyber security as much as they are when it comes to physical security; they employ security guards and install surveillance cameras so why does their cybersecurity measures be any different?

So as an individual and business who uses the Internet, you should make sure you're taking precautions to keep your personal information safe. Here are some tips to protect your personal and business information:

Create Strong Passwords
Creating a strong password is a critical step to protecting yourself online. Using long, complex passwords is one of the easiest ways to defend yourself from cybercrime. No one is immune to cyber risk, but #BeCyberSmart and you can minimize your chances of an incident. Check out this tip sheet on creating strong passwords.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Have you noticed how often security breaches, stolen data, and identity theft are consistently front-page news these days? Perhaps you, or someone you know, are a victim of cybercriminals who stole personal information, banking credentials, or more. As these incidents become more prevalent, you should consider using MFA, also called strong authentication or two-factor authentication. This technology may already be familiar to you, as many banking and financial institutions require both a password and one of the following to log in: a call, email, or text containing a code. By applying these principles of verification to more of your personal accounts, such as email, social media, and more, you can better secure your information and identity online! To learn more about multi-factor authentication, click here.

Utilize a Password Manager to Store Your Passwords
The most secure way to store all your unique passwords is by using a password manager. With just one password, a computer can create and save passwords for every account that you have – protecting your online information, including credit card numbers and their three-digit codes, answers to security questions, and more. Here are multiple reasons why you should be using a password manager:

1. You Don't Need a Good Memory
The main benefit of using a password manager to boost your cyber security is that you don't need to have a good memory. That means everyone can incorporate the latest recommendations for secure passwords, including using long phrases, symbols, punctuation, and capitalization.

2. You Can Use Stronger Passwords
Without having to remember complicated passwords, your team will be able to not only use stronger passwords but also use a different password for every access point. That way, in the event of a breach, there will not be a cascading effect as each account becomes compromised. The result is a stronger password for each account and increased security across the board.

3. Fast Access
Password managers allow people to type a single password, and then have each access point automatically populated with a username and password. Your team will spend less time fumbling with login screens and password recovery and spend more time doing what matters.

4. More than Passwords
Many password manager apps allow users to store and manage more than logins and passwords. For example, some provide secure access to credit card information. Others make multi-factor authorization--or using a second test like answering a question once the correct password is entered--simple and effective. And, like complicated passwords, when multi-factor authorization is simple to use, it's more likely for users to participate.

5. Manage Shared Accounts
For many businesses, managing who has access to which accounts can be a nightmare--especially if multiple people need access to a single account. A password manager will allow you to efficiently manage and change the password as necessary. Some apps even have features that enable one person to control the password to an account, and then provide access to other users without sharing the actual password.

6. Simplified Cyber Security
Keeping the bad guys from gaining access to your accounts and systems is a critical component of doing business today. From poor password practices to lack of compliance from your team, security holes are everywhere!

A password manager like LastPass will make it easy to stay in control of your cyber security by remembering logins and passwords for you. You can even let LastPass generate secure passwords utilizing the latest best practices so you don't have to keep up with new recommendations. Plus, a desktop version that links directly to a mobile app makes it simple and easy for your employees to keep working while staying protected.