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Similar passwords are an Achilles heel for security

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A common cybersecurity problem is passwords. Not lack of passcodes. Rather, using the same ones over and over. It’s worse when the passphrase is simplified, using easily guessable words or number variants. Today’s hackers, you see, aren’t taking random guesses. They’re drawing from wide libraries of hacked credentials coupled with brute-force software and SQL injection techniques.

Protecting yourself doesn’t mean you have to know the ins-and-outs of these strategies and malware implementations. But, it does mean you need to remain aware of weak, frequently used passcodes. Even with the best services and cybersecurity implementations, all it takes is a little human error to cause severe damage to digital property.

Remote solutions create more problems
The situation at large regarding networks has changed. Because of COVID-19, numerous companies have switched to remote working solutions.

But remote solutions create a canvas of new potential security issues. It’s difficult to monitor remote networks and systems, as you can imagine. Additionally, with remote solutions, individuals are responsible for their own security. That includes passwords, which increase the potential surface area for attacks.

Imagine, basically, that remote solutions are like a building with multiple windows, and each window is a possible weak point for cyber intruders.

How does the problem occur?
When relying on a remote solution, the business uses one of two methods: they either supply the remote hardware or allow their staff to use personal devices. In some cases, it’s a mix of both. Regardless, it translates to users managing business tasks from home.

Now, however, a few things are happening: the person isn’t as familiar with cybersecurity policies as an IT staff member, and, they’ve increased risk by using their own hardware. There are a few reasons for this:

Personal devices have potentially outdated apps
Passwords are stored on the device through browsers or otherwise, leading to more risk
Using a personal device means all anti-virus and security-based software must be updated
Essentially, you have to rely on third-party management and security to keep the network safe. Any weakness in one staff member’s device can upend a network.

What can be done?
As remote solutions see mass adoption in response to the pandemic, businesses must quickly install infrastructure while simultaneously preparing users for remote solutions. If that sounds like a mouthful, imagine the process itself!

Sadly, not all companies are prepared despite their best efforts. And, even if they install the infrastructure needed for remote solutions, the security policies are lacking. Therefore, this is when an MSP, a managed service provider, comes in handy.

An MSP essentially resolves many of the issues currently discussed in the article, and creates the infrastructure needed for remote solutions.

Here’s how:

The MSP can provide the hardware and software for secure connections, such as through an encrypted VPN
Offer advice and the expertise of the expert staff that resolve IT and cybersecurity issues
Provide backup recovery options in case of intrusion on a person’s network
Help developed layered networks to limit risk when remote users connect to a business