Moving forward every month the newsletter will carry an item on one of the aspects that we need to use for protection and that will be featured as desktop image for the month to run the awareness program across the organization.

Passwords – why are they so critical

The first and foremost thing that anyone of us does when we come in on a normal day is use this simple, short and sweet thing to access information.

Very few of us realize that if made public this is the gateway for anyone to access our confidential information and cause intentional or unintentional damage.  In the modern age all of us use computers extensively but few realize the importance of data being compromised and its implication. An information that is compromised could create several liabilities including legal hassles, financial losses etc.

How can I take care?

Passwords are the key – if compromised they are the door to your information which is open to everyone.  Remember!!!! We now track everything, every time and you could be held responsible for an action not done by you.

Password compromise

ð   Sharing of passwords due to certain emergencies

ð   Password is set by a single individual in the organization – who is helpful to all

ð   Shoulder surfing – someone is watching as you type your password

ð   Everyone has administrative access so he can change your password on request without any record or log

ð   You are susceptible to befriend strangers or visitors who are not part of the organization

Password protection

ð   Never divulge your password to anyone

ð   Choose a strong, difficult to guess password at least 8 characters long

ð   Don't write it down where someone can find it

ð   Don't base it on easy to guess details

ð   Use a mixture of letters, numbers and special characters