Maintaining robust password hygiene is more crucial than ever. With the many services we engage with in our personal lives and businesses, we must ensure that our passwords are secure and unique to each account. Here are some key aspects to consider when evaluating your password practices:

Password Best Practices

1. Use Random Characters: Avoid using actual words. Instead, create passwords that consist of random characters, making them harder to guess.
2. Unique Passwords for Each Service: Each account should have its own unique password. This way, if one password is compromised, your other accounts remain secure.
3. Incorporate Special Characters and Numbers: Enhance your passwords by including a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
4. Secure Storage: Ensure that your passwords are stored securely. Avoid writing them down or saving them in plain text files.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA for an added layer of security. This requires a second form of verification, making it significantly harder for unauthorized access.
6. Utilize Passkeys: If available, opt for passkeys instead of traditional passwords. Passkeys provide a more secure and user-friendly authentication method.

The Challenge

Most individuals and businesses struggle to implement these practices consistently across all accounts. It can feel overwhelming, with hundreds of accounts requiring usernames and passwords. However, neglecting password hygiene can lead to severe security breaches.

Password Managers The Solution

To simplify password management, consider using a password manager. I recommend 1Password or Proton Pass for personal and small to mid-sized business use. These tools help you:

• Centralize Passwords: Store all your passwords in one secure location.
• Generate Strong Passwords: Automatically create complex passwords that meet security standards.
• Enable Security Features: Seamlessly integrate 2FA and passkey functionalities.

If you haven’t already adopted a password manager, need to do a "hygiene check," or otherwise need to establish strong password practices, put time on your schedule to do so. Protecting your personal and business accounts is paramount to safeguarding your sensitive information.

If you need any help, let me know!

Stay secure,

—Joshua

Disclaimer: I use AI to help write emails like these. I review & edit all AI-assisted work I publish.