How you use a password manager varies slightly depending on which password manager you have. However, they all have similar functionality. To use a password manager, you first have to set your master password, set up your multi-factor authentication methods, export and import your current passwords, download the necessary apps and create new strong passwords for each of your accounts.
Sending sensitive information over the internet is often necessary, despite the risks. You may need to send copies of your passport to validate your employment status at a new job, or you might need to send tax forms with your social security number to your accountant. How can you send this information without making it vulnerable to cybercriminals? Using a software platform that uses zero-knowledge encryption is the most secure way to share sensitive information and files.
Doxxing, also spelled doxing, is when a threat actor publishes Personally Identifiable Information (PII) about their target online. This can include publishing the target’s place of employment, home address, credit or debit card numbers and any other sensitive information. The purpose of the threat actor publishing another person’s PII varies, but most commonly has to do with harassment.
PayPal and Venmo are online platforms that let businesses and individuals send and receive payments. You can secure your PayPal or Venmo account by using a strong password, setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and using other security features available. Since these accounts handle financial transactions and sensitive information, they are common targets for cyberattacks.
You use your email address for a wide variety of things such as when you’re shopping or setting up an online account. Because your email is linked to so many different accounts, securing it is crucial to keeping your other accounts safe, since most password resets are sent to your email address. To make your email more secure you should create a strong password, enable MFA and always log out of your account.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions are designed to protect organizations from a variety of threats that target privileged accounts, credentials and access. These solutions help to secure, manage and monitor access to critical systems and sensitive data.
People who don’t have a password manager often struggle with forgetting their passwords and having to reset them when attempting to log in to their online accounts. This is frustrating, time-consuming and leads to a loss in productivity. A password manager enhances your productivity since it remembers passwords for you, aids you in generating strong passwords and autofills your login credentials, saving you time to focus on more important tasks.
Accounting firms handle sensitive client data on a daily basis, making them prime targets for cybercrime. According to PwC, accounting firms have a 30% higher risk of cyberattacks than other businesses. Breaches in the industry are among the most expensive, with IBM’s “Cost of a Data Breach 2022” report finding the average breach totaled $5.97 million.
Yes, Privileged Access Management (PAM) is important for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs). Any business that has privileged systems and accounts to secure and manage needs a PAM solution. Without a PAM solution in place, businesses are at a greater risk of suffering a cyberattack which can be financially and reputationally devastating. Continue reading to learn more about privileged access management and how it benefits SMBs.
