Entering your password is the first thing you do in the morning when you get to your desk. It’s the first step of protection to ensure that unauthorized persons cannot access your computers. Password security recommendations have revolved around using a password of at least 8 characters with a combination of uppercase, lowercase, symbols and numbers and changing that password every couple of months.
Despite these security measures, as Michael Chertoff, former head of Homeland Security, says, passwords are the weakest link in cyber security. (https://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/06/passwords-are-the-weakest-link-in-cybersecurity-today-michael-chertoff-commentary.html) According to the 2022 Verizon report, over 80% of breaches were attributed to stolen passwords. This is a 30% increase since 2017. (https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/2022/dbir/2022-data-breach-investigations-report-dbir.pdf)
Hackers have recognized that users who are required to change their password regularly usually alter their password by changing one character or adding a number or symbol at the end. This makes it easy for hackers to easily predict the new password if the old passwords are known to the hacker.
With advancing technology, such as quantum computing, passwords that were considered complex, can be broken in milliseconds. This means that it is time for your office to reconsider what password guidelines are implemented for your computers and software.
Advancing technology is also in our favor. Multi-factor authentication and biometric recognition tools are available to counter the weaknesses in our password security.
Join TLD Systems' free webinar on July 6th at 8 PM as TLD Systems experts discuss what password security your office needs to implement to protect your office and maintain HIPAA compliance.
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