CMIT Solutions cares about your cybersecurity! Strong passwords are your first line of defense against online threats. But with so much conflicting information, it can be confusing to know what’s best.
This interactive blog will test your knowledge of password security and provide valuable tips to help you create strong, secure passwords.
Round 1: Password Myths vs. Facts
Are you sure you know the best password practices? Take this short quiz to find out!
Question 1:
What does NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) recommend for password complexity?
- A. Complex (uppercase, lowercase, special characters, numbers) 9-character passwords that change every 90 days.
- B. Non-complex fourteen (14) or more character passphrases that do not expire.
Question 2:
How can you best manage your passwords and avoid common pitfalls?
- A. Use a purpose-built, AES-encrypted password manager protected by a strong master passphrase.
- B. Write down your passwords in a notebook for offline storage.
- C. Store your passwords in an encrypted Excel document protected by a favorite password.
Question 3:
Choose three best practices for strong passwords in the 21st century:
- A. Use unique passwords everywhere.
- B. Change your password every 90 days.
- C. Store passwords in a password manager.
- D. Change your password every 30 days.
- E. Adopt 14+ character passphrases.
Round 2: Password Strength Challenge
Now that you know the best practices, can you spot the strongest password?
- A. qwerty123
- B. !~@#$%^&*
- C. Silly.passphrases.are.fun!
Answer Key and Explanations:
Round 1:
- The Answer: B. Non-complex fourteen (14) or more character passphrases that do not expire.
While frequently changing passwords seems secure, studies show people resort to predictable patterns when forced to update passwords often. This makes them easier to crack. NIST now recommends longer, non-complex passphrases for better security.
- The Answer: A. Use a purpose-built, AES-encrypted password manager protected by a strong master passphrase.
Password managers offer a secure way to store unique passwords. While they might seem like a target for hackers, the benefits outweigh the risks, especially compared to the alternatives like notebooks or spreadsheets.
- The Best Practices: A, C, and E.
- Use unique passwords everywhere.
- Store passwords in a password manager.
- Adopt 14+ character passphrases.
Frequent password changes are no longer recommended. The best approach is to use unique, complex passphrases (14+ characters) stored securely in a password manager. Update them only if a security breach is suspected.
Round 2:
The Strongest Password: C. Silly.passphrases.are.fun!
While special characters can make passwords more complex, length is the most critical factor. “Silly.passphrases.are.fun!” is a strong password because of its length, even though it lacks complexity. Hackers prioritize shorter passwords, regardless of complexity.
Congratulations!
You’ve completed the CMIT Solutions Password Power Up! Quiz. By following the best practices outlined above, you can significantly improve your online security.
CMIT Solutions: Your Trusted Partner in Cybersecurity
At CMIT Solutions, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect your business and personal data. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay secure in the digital age!
Bonus Tip: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
