Technology has changed over the years, but one constant remains—the username-password combination is still used to protect confidential information both online and offline. Unfortunately, usernames and passwords are often easy to guess. Weak passwords, coupled with strong social engineering techniques, make stealing credentials even easier for cybercriminals.
Should a company experience a data breach because of weak or stolen credentials, its reputation will take a hit, shaking the trust the company has built with its customers. Additionally, if the breach violates any compliance standards like the GDPR or HIPAA, then that company is also facing legal scrutiny and huge non-compliance penalties.
Despite having strict password policies and strong monitoring tools, organizations may still be vulnerable to attacks. Hackers are always on the lookout for weak links. For example, if an employee accidentally reveals sensitive data about the company on a public forum, hackers can use this data to deal some damage. If something so seemingly simple can have such stark repercussions, companies should be twice as cautious with password practices.
The best way to avoid such mishaps is by educating end users and administrators about good and bad password practices; common password attacks and how they can be avoided; as well as what to do in case of a successful breach. Knowledge is power, so arm your company with plenty of best practices to ward off hackers.
Looking for some simple yet comprehensive documentation that explains how common hacking methods work and how to overcome them? We’ve got you covered!
Check out our guide “How to keep up with the shifting landscape of passwords” to learn about common password attack methods like:
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Password guessing
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Dictionary attacks
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Brute force attacks
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Phishing
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Social engineering
The guide also covers the management techniques that can be implemented to overcome these threats, including:
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Preventing users from setting weak passwords
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Forcing users to change their passwords every 45-60 days
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Banning common words and patterns from passwords
On top of all this, it also sheds some light on why Active Directory password policies are no longer stringent enough to protect your network. Want to learn more? Get your free copy now!
