How to Secure Your Passwords

Passwords are what separate a person’s private information from the rest of the world. People use them for their social media profiles, online banking accounts, and personal computers, among others. They have been integral in helping individuals make the most of the convenience brought about by today’s digital age.

With all the passwords people need, it is only logical for them to use words or phrases that they can relate to the most, so they are sure to remember them best. Moreover, most people tend to use the same password across all of their accounts so they can log in without thinking of their passwords. This makes them vulnerable to hacker attacks that are highly probable with only a bit of research. If this happens, they are likely to experience identity theft through their social networks or have all their money taken from their bank accounts.

Avoid being a victim by keeping your passwords secure. The simplest, yet most effective, way to do this is to make full use of the special characters on your keyboard and alternate between upper and lower cases to complicate the password. Use different passwords for your accounts so as not to compromise your other accounts once hackers have gained access to one profile. More importantly, do not tell anyone your password for your own privacy and protection. 

NCIS Issued Framework to Complement Password Management Software Tools

As it is designed to work alongside existing security programs and protocols, organizations that will choose to adopt it will not have to worry about the cost of a complete system upheaval. They can easily implement it without making major changes to their system and investing in more devices. The framework will also fortify the advantages offered by online password manager tools from trusted developers such as Access Smart, LLC. While such programs already provide companies with several benefits in terms of protecting their networks and data at the point-of-entry, the framework will strengthen their infrastructure. In addition, it will serve as an effective instrument through which they can educate their staff about improved data protection within the organization. As a result, companies are assured of higher immunity against attacks from third-party sources that may compromise their processes, functions, and operations.

http://www.access-smart.com/ncis-issued-framework-complement-password-management-software-tools-2013-11-19/

Password Management Software Featured in SAP Capabilities Study

"Ladera Ranch, California (October 7, 2013) – Access Smart’s Power LogOn® software has been featured in a study that shows how it enhances the information security of SAP® data. A market leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, SAP cites the centralized password management software for its leveraging of cyber infrastructure, fast configuration and deployment, and cost savings benefits, among other offered advantages. Power LogOn® leverages the existing cyber infrastructure of organizations that use SAP without affecting it. The software does not modify Active Directory or SAP configurations nor require changes to any existing user accounts. It also allows information technology (IT) professionals to manage passwords more systematically and enable end users to follow strong password policies more easily."

http://www.access-smart.com/password-management-software-featured-sap-capabilities-study-2013-10-07/

Controlling Employee Access with Secure Password Management Software

"A report on the Business 2 Community website dated August 8, 2013 details how a business can control the password usage of their employees. When sensitive information such as access details is involved, it’s better to go the extra mile when it comes to security. The following are recommendations on how to restrict passwords only to those who need them. Passwords can already be quite a chore to maintain, and sharing them to the right people is an even more arduous task. The latter isn’t something to take lightly, as it is a basic yet crucial precaution against security breaches. A company is sure to have a number of passwords registered under its name, and it’ll need a reliable way to keep track of each while disseminating them only to the assigned personnel. Having handy password management software from an access firm like Access Smart, LLC could help simplify the process."

http://www.access-smart.com/controlling-employee-access-secure-password-management-software-2013-09-15/

Protective Measures against Data Breach

Any business that deals with clients and customers on a daily basis must step up their game when it comes to data protection. If any organization is found to be guilty of exposing client or customer data, whether intentionally or unintentionally, will most likely be held liable for data breach. When this happens, they will not only be ordered to pay huge fines but are also likely to lose credibility in the industry, which can eventually lead to loss of customers or clients.

A good way to protect data is to apply password security systems. However, there are times when passwords are easily figured out by hackers and cybercriminals, especially when the passwords were weak to begin with. Thus, employees can be encouraged to strengthen their passwords by using a combination of at least eight alphanumeric characters; they can also be encouraged to change their passwords on a weekly or monthly basis.

There are times, however, when employees tend to forget their passwords, and since they are discouraged from writing these passwords down on their notebooks, retrieving them becomes difficult, opening up an opportunity for hackers to step in and log on to the employees' e-mail accounts. An effective way to reduce these risks is to use a password management software to store these passwords so they can be easily retrieved as needed; this software typically features an encryption key that makes it hard for cybercriminals to penetrate.

Countering Cyber Hacking with Password Management

Cyber criminals (particularly hackers) have become more cunning and cutting edge when it comes to penetrating personal and corporate accounts and systems. Over the years, these online offenders have become bolder, and their attacks have become grander in scale. Some have attempted to hack into the websites and networks of various governments and multinational corporations. Fortunately, there are safeguards that can keep cyber hackers at bay. In fact, securing an account, network, or device can be accomplished with something as simple as password management.

Passwords used on and offline should be as long as possible, and must contain alphanumeric characters. Throwing in symbols, and using both upper and lower case letters in passwords, is also recommended. The longer and more complicated the code is, the more difficult it will be for hackers to crack.

Unfortunately, even the most complicated passwords can be cracked. For this reason, one must be one step ahead of cyber criminals, and change passwords every three to six months. Do not use variations of the old code. As much as possible, create an entirely new one that does not have any connection with the last password that was created.

Finally, invest in a device that has the capacity to encrypt sensitive information such as passwords. This is important for businesses and organizations, since they operate more complex technologies than private users. Password management software usually centralizes password authentication, and effectively eliminate security breaches.

Network Access Control: Securing Confidential Info

Network Access Control (NAC) is a word used by many IT groups, as it is connected to computer network security. NAC limits access to the computers, networks, and systems of a particular group. In this manner, computers, networks, and systems are restricted from unauthorized personnel, devices, and programs (especially malicious software). By enforcing network security, company data and systems are protected, and confidential information is safeguarded.

Without NAC, the integrity of entire companies and organizations, as well as their affiliates, would be jeopardized. Sometimes, employees will use passwords that are not very secure. Insecure passwords are used because it can be difficult to remember passwords that are too long or have unusual combinations of special characters, numbers, and letters in both upper and lower cases. Forgetting a password can be a hassle, as it will bar access to devices, programs, and entire networks. This in turn, can compromise productivity, and impede the workflow of companies and organizations.

Passwords that can be easily identified by unauthorized third party programs and personnel carries a much bigger risk. With Network Access Control, these risks are minimized or obliterated. IT personnel who are in charge of password creation and resets, and managing any restricted information, will embed sophisticated passwords into every employee's swipe card.

Open Sesame: A Brief Take on Passwords

Obviously, computers can't be locked in the physical sense to impede unlawful access. The standard security measure computers use to deter unauthorized access is the password prompt, which serves as an electronic lock of sorts. The origins of the password could be traced as far back as the era of the Roman Empire, when the Empire's watchmen would discreetly pass around a “watchword” that only they would know of.

Passwords are still some of the most reliable applications designed for security; hackers can try to crack the code, but it will take them a considerable amount of time to do so. To further bolster security, it's even possible to create rotating passwords that would make access to the system next to impossible for criminals. For all its strengths against decryption, however, passwords can complicate the lives of those using them.

Those who use long and complex passwords might have difficulty remembering such codes. Thankfully, there are password managers that can help users key in their passwords without challenging their memory. They could either come in the form of software (either as an application or a cloud-based service) that safely store a list of passwords for users, or as a portable physical device (such as a USB drive) that keeps the passwords inside them.