The Password Management Headache for Small Businesses
One of the biggest cybersecurity issues for small businesses is also one of the most fundamental– password management. Most data security breaches on small and medium sized businesses aren’t performed via hyper advanced hacking techniques or futuristic hardware and software. Instead, they come from simple password mishaps. Whether it’s someone maliciously figuring out an employee’s password through a simple phishing or malware scam or an employee leaving their password exposed in an unprotected area carelessly, password insecurity is often the cybersecurity sin that causes catastrophe.
How do you solve this problem? There are several options depending on the size of your company and scope of your online work. One of the most common solutions is to start using a password manager. Password management services remove potential risk from employees having insecure passwords and making mistakes while keeping track of them. Most password management services will help employees generate very secure randomized passwords and then save them for whatever specific software and websites a company uses. This removes much of the human error element and risk to this layer of security.
There are many different password management options out there, but there are some key things you should be looking for as a small business owner when deciding on which to use at your company.
First, you want a service that is easy to use, especially if you have any employees who aren’t technical experts with roles focused on other areas of the business. You shouldn’t have to be a computer expert to manage the UI of a password manager, so you want a service with a friendly, convenient interface. A confusing interface could lead to compromising user error, which defeats the point of extra security from a password manager in the first place.
Speaking of security, the password manager you ultimately pick needs to have truly robust encryption and security options. If you are unsure about the technical details, seeking an IT consulting firm for advice may be a good idea. Do your research and ensure that the service yo use is as digitally secure as possible,
Finally, you will want a service that has excellent and easy-to-use password sharing tools and options that don’t sacrifice security. You will likely need to have employees share logins for some software or websites given the very collaborative nature of small businesses. Being prepared to share those logins easily and securely is a boon you absolutely need if you choose to use a password management tool.
If you’re still looking for password management applications or other tools that will improve your company’s IT procedures and cybersecurity, schedule an appointment with 911 IT and learn what a managed IT services provider can offer your company, including expertise and advice about the most efficient and secure technological solutions for your business.
