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November 12, 2021
Hi All CPS Staff,
This week's update is going to focus on password best practices. Occasionally, although not often, staff passwords are discovered and misused. Below are a set of password best practices to ensure your accounts remain secure;
- Passwords should have at least ten characters and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The Center of Internet Security recommends the use of 14 characters.
- Use different passwords for each account you access.
- Do not use words and proper names in passwords, regardless of language, or personal information, such as your name, a family member or pet’s name, etc.
- Some of the easiest-to-remember passwords aren’t words at all but collections of words that form a phrase or sentence, perhaps the opening sentence to your favorite novel. Complexity is nice, but length is key.
- Change passwords regularly -- at least every 60 days; if you believe your account has been compromised change passwords immediately. Do not reuse old passwords.
- Do not allow a browser’s password manager to store your passwords; some browsers store and display passwords in clear text and do not implement password protection by default.
- Do not allow websites to automatically log in to an account; many services store this information locally and it can be exploited by attackers to gain access without a password.
- Do not share your password with anyone and do not respond to emails or phone calls asking for your login credentials. Legitimate businesses will never ask for your login credentials via these methods.
- Use multi-factor authentication when available.
CPS Subscribes to all security protocols published by the
Center for Internet Security.
Have a great weekend!
Steve