Stay Cyber-Safe: Tips for Boston Businesses on Change Your Password Day

Every February 1st, we observe Change Your Password Day, an annual reminder to evaluate your cybersecurity practices. While it's not a holiday where you close the office doors, it's an excellent opportunity to ensure your accounts and sensitive business data are protected with strong passwords.

For businesses in Boston, MA, where cybersecurity threats are ever-evolving, staying ahead is critical. Here's how to create robust passwords and enhance your company's cybersecurity defenses.

Prioritize Complexity

When creating passwords for your Boston-based business accounts, aim for complexity. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays, company names, or Boston-related terms (like "RedSox2023"). Hackers can easily crack predictable passwords, so aim for originality and intricacy.

Make Them Longer and Stronger

The length of your password matters! According to Hive Systems, an eight-character password can be cracked in under an hour. For optimal security, aim for at least 12 characters. Better yet, use passphrases—a random series of words or phrases that are easier to remember but difficult to crack.

For example: Freedom-Trolley-Wharf-Boston is a secure, Boston-themed passphrase. Need ideas? Visit websites like useapassphrase.com to generate random passphrases tailored to your needs.

Avoid Reusing Passwords

Reusing passwords across accounts is a major cybersecurity risk, especially for businesses handling sensitive client data in Boston's bustling economy. If one account is compromised, your other accounts could be exposed too. Use unique passwords for each account and consider investing in a secure password manager.

Pro Tip for Boston Businesses: Avoid using your browser's built-in password manager. Instead, consult your IT team for trusted password management tools.

Yearly Updates for Peace of Mind

For most businesses, changing passwords once a year is sufficient—as long as your accounts haven't been compromised. However, if your Boston-based business deals with sensitive customer data or financial transactions, consider a more frequent update schedule for critical accounts.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an essential security measure for Boston companies. By combining your password with a second verification method (like a texted code or an app-generated number), you drastically reduce the risk of unauthorized access—even if a password is stolen.

Secure Password Recovery Options

When setting up password recovery options, choose strong, unique security questions. Avoid answers that could be guessed through public records or social media (e.g., "What's your mother's maiden name?"). Consider using alternative email addresses to add another layer of protection.

Invest in Password Management Tools

Boston businesses often handle multiple accounts and platforms, making password management tools indispensable. These tools generate, store, and encrypt passwords for you. For added safety, turn off the auto-fill feature to prevent hackers from exploiting invisible password boxes on malicious sites.

Monitor for Suspicious Activity

Regularly review account activity for signs of unauthorized access. Many platforms now alert you to logins from unfamiliar locations or devices. For Boston-based businesses, this is especially important as cyberattacks on small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) continue to rise.

Train Your Team on Cybersecurity

Educating your team is one of the most critical steps to protecting your business. Conduct regular cybersecurity training to help employees recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and understand the risks of public Wi-Fi. Proactive training ensures everyone—from your Boston office staff to your remote teams—works together to protect your company.

Beyond Passwords: Cybersecurity for Boston Businesses

While creating strong passwords is vital, it's only one part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. For Boston businesses, having a robust cybersecurity plan is non-negotiable. This includes:

• Regular vulnerability assessments.
• Firewall and antivirus protections.
• Crisis management planning for potential breaches.

If you're unsure whether your business has the right protections in place, let us help. At Merrimack Technology Support Services, we offer a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment tailored to Boston-area businesses. We'll identify gaps in your system and help you implement the right solutions to safeguard your organization.

By staying proactive and implementing these password tips, Boston businesses can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and protect their valuable data. Contact us today at (857) 294-5294 to learn more about how we can support your cybersecurity efforts. Click here to book your Free Cyber Security Assessment now. https://shorturl.at/CuIoq