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Passwords and
the Human Factor
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 naïve 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
www.beyondifsolutions.com
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