Within the past week we had 3 different clients have their online accounts hacked. In one situation, they cracked the password to a yahoo email account, sent urgent requests for help to everyone in the contact database then deleted the contact list so the owner couldn't send out a follow-up. The hackers had access to every email in the account, including password information for other accounts. Hours were then spent in changing every password they used online.

 

In each situation the password was not complex and used on many different online accounts. We have all heard the need for complex passwords, but who can remember them all?

 

A few new programs are designed to help. For a few months I have been using LastPass.com. You use one master password, complex and used no where else, to start the program. It then holds and enters all of your other online log-on information for you automatically. When first installed, it searches your computer system for remembered passwords and moves them into the vault. When you need a new online password the program can generate it for you. It is also helpful because you can sign in from different computers and all of your online account information is available. Change a password at work and you have it available at home.

 

Other similar programs are keepass, password safe, roboform, and passpack. Each have slightly different features for integration with different systems (such as smart phones) and different environments (such as shared group passwords).

 

For small businesses that need employees to access a number of online accounts, these programs can also provide central control. You give access to the central vault, which automatically fills the other passwords. Your employees only have the one password so there is only one thing to change if someone leaves.

 

If you have questions about these programs or any other security related concerns, please contact Onsite Logic at 913 851-7483 or 816 221-7483.