
by IT Logix
How to create secure passwords
Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks to your business. Why? Because cyber criminals are getting smarter than ever before. If they manage to crack just one password, they could gain access to your sensitive business data, financial information, or even gain control of your entire system. Cyber criminals use automated tools to guess passwords, allowing them to try out millions of combinations in seconds. So, if you’re using something like “Password123” or “CompanyName2025”, you’re practically handing them the keys to your business. A compromised password can lead to big issues, such as: • Data breaches • Financial losses • Identity theft • Reputation damage But how do you create strong passwords without driving yourself (and your team) mad? Think of your password like a secret recipe, where only you should know the ingredients. It should: • Be at least 14 characters long (the longer, the better) • Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters • Contain a few numbers and symbols (like @, $, %, or &) • Not contain any common words or easily guessable information (like birthdays, names, or the word “password”) Instead of using a single word, you could try a passphrase – a short, random sentence that only you would understand. For example, instead of “Sailing2025”, try something like “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!”. This is much harder to crack, yet still easy to remember. You should also steer clear of these common mistakes: • Using personal info (your name, birthday, business name, etc.) • Reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts • Using simple sequences (“123456” or “abcdef”) • Storing passwords in an easily accessible place (like a sticky note on your desk) If remembering unique passwords for every account sounds impossible, there is another option: Password managers. These generate strong passwords, store them securely and autofill them for you. With a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master password for the manager app itself. The rest are encrypted and stored safely, reducing the risk of data breaches. Even the strongest password isn’t foolproof, which is why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is also important. MFA requires a second form of verification, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated from an authentication app. If you have employees accessing your business systems, it’s a good idea to have a password policy in place to explain your rules and why they’re important. This should include: • Unique passwords for each system and account • Regular security training on password best practices • Business-wide use of MFA for critical systems • Scanning for compromised passwords regularly By making password security a priority, you can reduce the chances of a cyber attack creating a nightmare for your business. And if you need help making your business more secure, get in touch.

by IT Logix
New phishing scam is smarter than ever… here’s how to protect your business
Microsoft is warning business owners that trusted cloud storage services are being hijacked to trick you into handing over your data. Here we tell you what you need to know.

by IT Logix
Don’t sleep on this simple, effective security booster
Microsoft’s enforcing an extra layer of security for logins to one of its tools. Even if you don’t use it, you should follow their lead and implement this security booster in your business.

by IT Logix
Cyber extortion: What is it and what’s the risk to your business?
Have you heard of cyber extortion? It’s a very real threat to your business. Here we explain what it is and how to stay safe.

by IT Logix
More businesses are proactively investing in cyber security defences
Cyber security: More and more businesses are making the smart business decision to invest in it. Find out why you should join them.