With more information moving from devices to the cloud, security is a constant concern for businesses of all kinds. By sticking with the basics, a company can improve its online security.
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- Requiring a strong password. A strong password is essential to protecting information. If companies are using a weak password or one that includes personal information, chances are someone can guess it. Google’s guide to creating a strong password illustrates that a random but memorable phrase is the best source for a password. Google gives the example of sPo0kyh@ll0w3En as a strong password.
- Shorter expiration cycle. Having a strong password is important, but so is the need to change it on a regular schedule. The longer you use the same password, the more likely it is someone has login information and can access private information. Creating a bi-annual password cycle will help keep hackers at bay and company data protected.
- Two-factor authentication. This form of security requires two sources of authentication before allowing access to your information. Generally, this includes your login credentials and a randomly generated code received via text or an app installed on a smartphone. This form of verification is highly secure, as it requires access to your phone, something most of us don’t let out of our sight.
- Suspicious login location notification. Every time an employee logs in to a Google account, the location and device are noted, allowing Google to detect fraudulent login attempts. If someone logs in from a device not previously linked to your account, Google sends a notification and suggests that you should change a password if you do not recognize the device.
Safety features are often thought of as an annoyance, but a tech-savvy business owner must protect their information in the age of the cloud. We recommend turning on more security services for accounts that hold privileged and/or sensitive information.
