Security seems to be on my radar more recently. We just started handing out a security overview checkoff for clients to review their security risks and procedures, we will be talking to two different groups this month on being prudent with security and sharing best practices, and I’ve run in to multiple people with forgotten password issues. Security is something everyone should worry about, at least a little, to make sure they are doing the basics well and learning some best practices.
The easiest place to start is with your passwords. We all have too many of them and tend to re-use the same one for multiple programs or websites. The big security concern is that if you use the same password for multiple sites, and it is ever compromised (you know it will be at some point), the bad guys can login to all of the other sites (Easy to give that stolen login a try on the standard sites like Facebook, different banks, etc.).
For years, I use a password manager call LastPass. It works great and once you get used to leveraging a platform like this, there is no need to worry about multiple passwords at all. The only password you really need to remember is the one for LastPass. Basically the LastPass platform integrates with your computer, web browsers, and smartphone/tablets. The system can auto generate a complex password for the applications and websites you access and securely encrypt and store the information. From there when you go to access LinkedIn for example and you are prompted to login, LastPass will offer up an option to auto fill in your username and password. You never need to know the complex auto generated password that was created for each site. Super easy. You can also share logins (showing or even not showing the password) with others and give someone emergency access to everything if there is ever an occasion to do so.
Here is a good article from the TechRepublic about LastPass which is a great tool to help you manage your passwords.
Have any questions just shoot me an email or give me a ring at 630.547.7011. Now go get more secure!
