The massive Russian hack that was recently revealed has faded from the headlines today, but the threat remains a very real concern to Information Technology professionals. It is Aptica’s job to robustly defend against cybercriminals and we have quite the arsenal to do that. But—one of the most essential tools that can help prevent hacking and ransom demands and data deletes can only be deployed by account owners themselves. That tool is a password manager app, and in the wake of costly IT raids by foreign bad actors I am again asking you to install one right away. Defend your company assets—use this tool!
TV Remotes, Garage Door Openers, Answering Machines, And Voice Mail
Who remembers hearing Grandad say, “Why, if I am too lazy to get up and go change the channel, then maybe I shouldn’t be sitting in front of a tv!” Or “It only takes a minute to get out of the car and pull up the garage door. What’s the big deal?” Can anyone remember running a business without the ability to get messages from customers and clients who needed a return phone call? These innovations were initially met with scorn but are now an integral part of everyone’s day. A password manager is incrementally more critical than a garage door opener yet the resistance to working with one continues to amaze me.
Password Manager App—The Bank Box For Your Digital Treasures
What’s in your bank box? Deeds, titles, birth certificates, your grandmother’s wedding ring, heirloom photos, your will? And when you need to get into that secure device there is a protocol you go through first, right? But when you open the box, you have every confidence that those documents and heirlooms and treasures you value most will always be in there, safe and untouched since that last time you looked. If you have a bank box or a fire-safe lockbox at home, then you will also sleep better at night once you have set up your password manager for your business. You have just one master password to remember to get into the vault that stores the unique and tricky passwords for every other account you need to open. You can also store other information such as credit card numbers, account numbers, relevant dates of birth, etc. in this mega-secure location. This tool will quickly become as convenient for you to use as using your tv remote to flip between football games.
Aptica Recommends Last Pass But There Is A Good Selection Of Comparable Apps
Read up on password manager apps. Look for information in trade publications like PC Magazine or CNET (describes in detail how to set up the app and what features are available.) Talk to your IT manager about getting it all set up for you, then train key personnel on how to properly use it. Do not keep a spreadsheet of ever-changing passwords. Do not store your passwords unprotected in your cell phone. Many password manager apps are free. Many people have the notion that using one is really hard. It is not. Study up and then get one set up.
Do everything you can do yourself to protect your business assets. For more information about how to increase your defenses, you can give Aptica a call with your questions. It always starts with a conversation and we offer free assessments.
Jason Newburg, 260.243.5100, ext 2101, is the founder and owner of Aptica LLC. This IT management and support company has been serving small to medium-sized businesses for 19 years in the region that includes Angola, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, IN, Battle Creek, MI, and Toledo OH.