Did you know that the vast majority of data breaches occur because of weak passwords? 80% of breaches are the result of reused, compromised, or weak passwords, with most employees using the same password an average of 13 times. This is why it is so important for organizations to implement a strong password policy.
Here, we will discuss what a password policy is, what is included in a password policy, and why you should consider implementing one for your business. We will also discuss how AIS cybersecurity services can help improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture.
What is a Password Policy?
A password policy is a set of rules that dictate how employees should create and manage their passwords. It will outline the requirements for creating strong passwords, such as using specific characters, length requirements, and prohibited words or phrases.
It also typically includes guidelines on how often passwords should be changed, rules to ensure old passwords are not reused, and the consequences if the policy is not followed.
What is Included in a Password Policy?
A password policy would include rules on the following topics:
- Password length – The password should be at least 8 characters long and no longer than 16 characters.
- Uppercase and lowercase letters – Passwords must contain both uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Special characters – Passwords must contain special characters, such as an exclamation point or dollar sign.
- Numeric characters – Passwords should contain at least one numeric character.
- Prohibited words/phrases – Prohibited words and phrases could include the organization’s name, the user’s username, or any other words or phrases that could easily be guessed.
- Password rotation – Passwords should be changed every 90 days.
Why Should an Organization Implement a Password Policy?
By implementing a strong password policy, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches caused by compromised passwords and improve their overall cybersecurity posture. A strong password policy can also help to ensure that employees are creating and managing passwords properly, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Finally, it is important to note that implementing a password policy alone will not make an organization completely secure from cyber threats. Organizations should also consider other cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular security assessments.
Improve Your Cybersecurity With AIS Cybersecurity Services
At AIS, we offer a range of cybersecurity services that can help organizations strengthen their overall security posture no matter what. your business’ size or budget.
Our experienced team of security professionals will help manage your cybersecurity with proactive and comprehensive solutions that reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. In addition, our team can help you implement security controls to boost cyber resilience and provide ongoing support to ensure that your security measures remain up-to-date.
If you would like to learn more about how AIS can help improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of security experts. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and help you ensure that your organization is secure from the ever-growing digital threat landscape.