Passwords have a strange dual nature. The stronger and safer the password the more likely it will be undermined by human weakness.
It is widely known that passwords are the most common means of access control. It is also common knowledge that passwords are the easiest way to compromise a system. Passwords have two basic functions. First, they allow initial entry to a system. Next, after access, they grant permission to various levels of information. This access can range from public data to restricted trade secrets and pending patents.
The best passwords are a lengthy and complex mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. The tendency for people when using these formats is to write them down, store them on a hand held device, etc. thus destroying the integrity of the password.
The integrity of passwords can be circumvented through "Human Engineering." People can unwittingly make grave errors of judgment in situations that they may view as harmless or even helpful. For example, a password is shared with a forgetful employee and a system can be compromised. In more ominous cases, a con artist or hacker can phone a na?ve employee and present themselves as senior executives or help desk personnel and obtain that persons password. People have also been duped by callers claiming emergencies, cajoling or even threatening the employees job if a password is not provided.
These human lapses can be addressed through employee training and written policies that provide solid guidance and procedures in these circumstances. Training in information security, including password protocols, should be mandatory for every employee of the enterprise. Management support of this training and the security policy is critical to its success. To be effective, training should be repetitive with quarterly reviews of the company policy. There can also be frequent reminders, such as banners, about password security that appear during logons.
Management must not only support security measures, they must also provide a written and enforced policy statement. These written policies should be developed with assistance from the I.T. department as well as the human resource and legal departments. Written policies should be a part of the employee's introduction to the company and should be reviewed at least twice a year. It is also critical that the employee sign off on the document indicating that they received, read, and understood its contents. Firms that ignore these practices do so at their own risk.
Enforcement is an important partner to training. A policy that is not enforced is far worse than no policy at all. In fact, haphazard enforcement or lack of enforcement can increase a company's liability in many legal actions. To work, a policy must have "teeth". There should be a range of consequences for lapses whether it is a single event or multiple or flagrant incidents. This can range from a verbal warning all the way to termination.
In summary, passwords can be kept more secure by recognizing the human factor. Through management initiative, communication and training, as well as written and enforced policies and procedures, companies can have more control over their information assets and keep their clients and partners much safer.
About The Author
Terrence F. Doheny
President, Beyond If Solutions,LLC
Barrington South Lincoln Stretch rentals .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareBelow you will find some useful information and comments about... Read More
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a protocol that is part... Read More
If you're like me, you occasionally find the ubiquitous mouse... Read More
Computer is an electronic machine work on the instructions of... Read More
One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco... Read More
Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC... Read More
Cameras: still known for taking pictures but assumed as digital... Read More
Addressing a D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 search, this article provides... Read More
This is the third in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
I recently got an e-mail asking about virtual memory. The... Read More
All over the world, people carry with them walkmans and... Read More
Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on... Read More
You???ve studied hard; you???ve practiced your configurations; you???ve used your... Read More
I have a p3 500MHz PC with 128MB RAM, 10.2... Read More
As the web has evolved, so have the methods of... Read More
First and foremost before I begin my ranting it is... Read More
IntroductionMac OS X is the most technologically advanced operating system... Read More
Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive... Read More
Selecting a TV isn't as easy as it used to... Read More
Stimulus thru Caffiene or Visual Input?It appears that the Mobi... Read More
Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now.... Read More
It's hard enough as it is these days to get... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
I got my eyes set on a iPod mini, as... Read More
Plasma and LCD TVs are the latest trend in home... Read More
Downers Grove limo Chicago ..Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
MP3 players are everywhere! It seems that the number of... Read More
This article describes the basic properties of color, what the... Read More
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The... Read More
So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your... Read More
This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More
While most small businesses really do need to find a... Read More
I am going to assume that you are running windows... Read More
The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to... Read More
With the new technology used to transfer information to from... Read More
Lost & Found for the 21st CenturyIn today's hectic world... Read More
If you are a building a website or a forum,... Read More
If you utilize a computer at home or work it... Read More
Occupational Therapy Made EasierMedical downloads for the pda have improved... Read More
Computers are everywhere, and vary in specification, brands, sizes, shaped,... Read More
Buying a receiver is one of the most important decisions... Read More
Perhaps not yet, but the handwriting might be on the... Read More
"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus... Read More
Here are some tips on how to use screensavers:First of... Read More
Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though,... Read More
How long do you think DVDs have around? 20 years?... Read More
Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now.... Read More
Microsoft Business Solutions is on the way to popularize it's... Read More
Cookies, not the kind that Mom makes, but the computer... Read More
Personal Technology |