Cybercrimes are a constant threat, and health systems are among the most frequently targeted entities. Among the simplest and most effective ways to avoid becoming a victim of a cybercrime like hacking is to create effective passwords and practice password safety.
Ballad Health uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) for its passwords, which adds an extra level of security. As team members, you can take steps, as well – in particular with your Ballad Health network password:
- Use a passphrase – Create a password phrase with at least two words that are not related to each other, but you can easily remember. (For example, your pet’s name and your grandmother’s maiden name with a space between each word in the passphrase.)
- Make them long – Create a password that is 12 characters or longer. Password length is more important than complexity.
- Make them random – Use all four of the types of characters (uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols). In most systems, the space character counts as a symbolic character.
- Make them unique – Make each new password significantly different from previous passwords.
- Don’t reuse passwords elsewhere – Never use your Ballad Health password or any part of it on any personal or other work-related websites.
It’s also important to use password safety when you’re not at work. Consider using passphrases on your personal logins, especially for financial sites.
According to the ACDA (America’s Cyber Defense Agency), simple passwords, such as 12345, or common identifying information, like birthdays and pet names, are not safe for protecting important accounts holding personal information. Using an easy-to-guess password is like locking the door but leaving the key in the lock. Weak passwords can quickly be broken by computer hackers.
Some other tips for passwords, at home or at work, as provided by Microsoft:
- Don’t share a password with anyone, not even a friend or family member.
- Never send a password by email, instant message or any other means of communication that is not reliably secure.
- Where possible, especially within financial web sites, be sure to turn on the use of multi-factor authentication and do not turn on the “Remember my device” function, as this function disables the MFA function when using a remembered device.
Remember, password safety is one of the most basic yet effective steps you can take to protect yourself from cybercrimes!
