Securing Passwords: There’s More To It Than You Think

December 10, 2019

When it's time to create an account on a website or change your email password, you know the usual rules: at least eight characters, a mix of upper- and lower-case, at least one number, at least one special character? Following those will result in a strong password, right?

Wrong. Those rules actually make your password both easier for a computer to crack and harder for you to remember.

So, what makes a good password? Wired Magazine has some hints, including:

• Don't let your browser save your passwords. While convenient, the strength of the underpinning security of the browser is often unclear.
• Longer is better. A sentence that is meaningless, but memorable, might be your best bet.
• Don't re-use passwords. A shocking number of online accounts have been breached over the years, so the chances are good that if you're prone to re-using passwords (even in different variations), hackers would have a major head start.

Of course, as an ISMIE policyholder, you're protected by top-notch cyber liability protection, included with your coverage at no additional cost – but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

For more information on protecting your practice’s electronic systems, contact our risk management team by email or by phone at 800-782-4767 ext. 3300. For questions about your cyber liability protection, contact our underwriting division at 800-782-4767 or by email. If you utilize an insurance broker, you may also wish to contact him or her.