Most facilities and assets are protected by security systems, making passwords a critical component to the system. Passwords provide an additional layer of protection to facilities, sensitive assets and equipment that can otherwise be accessed easier.
Failure to implement a password policy in your organization can lead to detrimental outcomes including:
Data and facility breaches
Wrongful access to, or loss of, sensitive information
Malware or cyber threats
Hacking
Monetary damages
Stolen goods and/or employee credentials
Legal and/or compliance issues
A strong password ensures that only authorized individuals have access to an organization’s security systems and data.
Implementing a corporate password policy
BluOcean recommends adopting a company-wide password policy to ensure all departments are proactively playing a role in securing facilities and data. Some key points to include in a password policy are:
Create long passwords: A good password should be at least 12 characters in length and use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
Keep it unique: Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts and think of passwords that do not include personal information such as birthdays or names.
Regularly update your password: Consider changing passwords every 6 to 12 months, including default passwords for devices on the network.
Enable two-factor authentication: Requiring a one-time code to access systems further prevents hackers from being able to gain access.
Use password managers: Password managers help generate and store strong and unique passwords, taking the burden of remembering passwords off the user.
Password management is an essential part of any organization. Whether it is to protect a physical facility (i.e. security systems and cameras) or protecting other critical assets (i.e. sensitive data and physical products), implementing these best practices for passwords can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and hacking.