October is the European Cyber Security Month. You can check out the official ECSM campaign website here.
The term “cyber security” can sound a little daunting. Anyone else picturing that streaming green code from the Matrix? This month, I’ll show you some really simple and free steps you can take to improve your security.
Improve Your Cyber Security - Step 1 - Passwords
Upping your password game is one of the best ways to enhance your security.
I know that lots of you reading this are guilty of having your passwords written down and stuck someplace RIGHT NEXT TO YOUR COMPUTER – queue IT professionals everywhere silently weeping in the corner.
Yes, you have about a thousand passwords to keep track of. That’s difficult. Your brain is full of other stuff. To cope with this, you might use the same password, or some variation of it, for several logins (those poor IT guys are getting louder over there).
You need to get yourself a password manager. I personally use and recommend LastPass. For most purposes, the free version will be more than adequate.
I installed the app on my smartphone and the internet browser extension on my desktop to make life even easier.
Using A Password Manager To Improve Cyber Security
- I don’t ever have to come up with a password again. LastPass will generate a strong, random password for me very quickly and easily.
- I can store login details in different folders. As a Virtual Assistant, I deal with tonnes of credentials on behalf of clients. Being able to file these details under specific client folders is so convenient.
- I don’t ever have to write down or email a password to someone again. I can use LastPass to share login credentials with another person who has LastPass. They don’t ever see that password, and I can revoke access whenever I need to.
- LastPass itself has a handy dandy security challenge. It’s quick and easy and lets you know the areas you might be falling down on. It then tells you how to correct any issues. It even checks if any of the email addresses associated with your logins have been part of any breaches that they’re aware of.
- I don’t ever have to remember a password again. When I sign up for something online, or sign in to something for the first time after installing the app or browser extension, LastPass prompts me to add it to my “vault”. Next time I need to log in, I can fill those login details from LastPass itself.
Actually, I do need to remember ONE password. That would be the master password for LastPass itself. In this case, it’s a good idea that you don’t set your password hint to something like “blah blah blah”! If you ever forget your master password and see this as your password hint, you’ll hate yourself. Trust me.
Conclusion / TL;DR
Part of your plan for your cyber security should be to ensure all your passwords are strong and unique. With a password manager like LastPass taking the headache out of this process, there isn’t any excuse to not take care of this step today.
LumenVA offers virtual assistance and flexible, remote support for businesses. Based in Waterford, Ireland and assisting clients around the world. Check out the services page to see how LumenVA can help you get stuff done.