Password Security 101 - Computer Repair Winchester, VA

Welcome! Let’s Lock Down Your Passwords

Hi there! I’m Skits!

Passwords are your first line of defense against hackers. Weak passwords are like leaving your front door unlocked – anyone can walk right in. I’m here to show you how to create strong passwords and keep your business safe. Let’s get started!

Why Password Security Matters

A single weak password can expose your entire business to hackers. They can steal customer data, empty bank accounts, hold your files for ransom, or destroy your reputation. The good news? Strong password habits are easy to learn and can save you thousands in damages.

In this course, you’ll learn:

Why common passwords fail (and what hackers look for)
The 3-2-1 rule for creating unbreakable passwords
How to manage multiple passwords without going crazy
When to use password managers (and when not to)
Simple habits that keep your business secure

Why Most Passwords Are Terrible

Let’s talk about bad passwords!

I see these all the time, and they make me cringe. Hackers love them because they’re so easy to crack. Let me show you what NOT to do.

The Worst Passwords (Never Use These!)

❌ Terrible Password Examples:

Password123 – Cracked in under 1 second
CompanyName2025 – Obvious and easy to guess
Admin or Welcome1 – Default passwords hackers try first
YourName or Birthday – Found easily on social media
qwerty or 123456 – Most common passwords ever

How Hackers Crack Passwords

Dictionary Attacks: Try every word in the dictionary plus common variations
Brute Force: Computers try millions of combinations per second
Social Engineering: Use information from Facebook, LinkedIn to guess passwords
Stolen Databases: Buy leaked passwords from data breaches and try them everywhere
Phishing: Trick you into giving them your password directly

💡 Scary Fact

A simple 8-character password with just letters can be cracked in about 2 hours. Add numbers, symbols, and more characters, and it becomes virtually unbreakable!

The 3-2-1 Rule for Strong Passwords

Here’s my secret formula!

This simple rule creates passwords that are strong enough to stop hackers but easy enough for you to remember. Ready?

The 3-2-1 Password Formula

✓ The Formula:

3 Random Words + 2 Numbers + 1 Symbol = Strong Password

Step-by-Step Example

Pick 3 random words (not related to you or your business)
Example: Sunset, Coffee, Mountain
Add 2 numbers (not your birthday or address)
Example: 47
Add 1 symbol
Example: !
Combine them creatively
Final Password: Sunset47!CoffeeMountain

✓ More Good Examples:

Purple92@ElephantGuitar – Random, memorable, strong
River$23BlueTaco – Unique combination
Lamp41!OceanPizza – Easy to remember, hard to crack

Why This Works

Length: 15+ characters makes brute force attacks nearly impossible
Randomness: Unrelated words can’t be guessed from your life
Complexity: Numbers and symbols add extra security
Memorable: Visual story helps you remember without writing it down

Let’s Practice: Spot the Strong Password

Time to test your skills!

Can you identify which password is the strongest? Think about length, randomness, and complexity.

🎯 Scenario: Which Password Is Strongest?

Your employee Sarah needs to create a new password for the company accounting software. Which password should she choose?

Managing Multiple Passwords

I know what you’re thinking…

“How am I supposed to remember 20 different strong passwords?” Good question! Let me show you the practical solutions that actually work for small businesses.

The Password Manager Question

Password managers (like Dashlane, LastPass, 1Password) are software tools that store all your passwords securely. You only need to remember ONE master password.

✓ Pros of Password Managers:

Generate ultra-strong random passwords automatically
Remember everything for you
Auto-fill login forms
Sync across all your devices
Alert you to compromised passwords

✗ Cons of Password Managers:

If you forget the master password, you lose everything
Single point of failure if the service is hacked
Monthly subscription cost ($3-8/month)
Learning curve for some employees

SKTS Recommendation for Small Businesses

The “Critical Three” Method:

Ultra-strong unique passwords for: Email, banking, accounting software
Strong shared password for: Less critical business accounts
Written backup stored in a locked drawer or safe

💡 Jerry’s Advice

For most small offices: Keep it simple. Use the 3-2-1 method for your critical accounts, write them down, and keep the list locked up. Password managers are great for tech-savvy teams, but not required. Need help deciding? Call for free consulting!

5 Password Security Rules

Follow these rules religiously!

These five simple habits will protect your business from 95% of password attacks. Make them part of your daily routine.

The 5 Golden Rules

✓ Rule #1: Never Reuse Passwords

Use a different password for every important account. If hackers get one password, they immediately try it everywhere else. Your email, bank, and accounting software should all have unique passwords.

✓ Rule #2: Change Passwords After a Breach

If you get a notification that a service was hacked, change that password immediately. Also change it anywhere else you used the same password (which you shouldn’t, but we’re realistic!).

✓ Rule #3: Never Share Passwords Via Email or Text

Email and text are not secure. If you must share a password, do it in person, over the phone, or use a secure password sharing tool. Never send it through email where it lives forever in your sent folder.

✓ Rule #4: Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA on email, banking, and accounting software. This means even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without your phone. It’s like a deadbolt on top of your regular lock.

✓ Rule #5: Update Passwords for Departing Employees

When someone leaves your company, change all shared passwords immediately. This includes Wi-Fi, software accounts, alarm codes – everything. Don’t wait, do it on their last day.

Need a Security Audit?

SKTS can review your current password practices and help you implement better security. We’ll identify vulnerabilities and create a simple, practical security plan.

Knowledge Check Quiz

Final quiz time!

Answer correctly to complete the course and prove you’re ready to lock down your business passwords!

📝 Final Question

Your employee forgot their email password. What is the SAFEST way to share the temporary password with them?

Congratulations! 🎉

You’re now password security smart!

You’ve learned how to create strong passwords and protect your business from hackers. These simple habits will keep your data safe. Excellent work!

Your Password Security Checklist

✅ Your Action Plan

Audit your passwords today – Identify weak passwords
Apply the 3-2-1 rule – Create strong passwords for critical accounts
Enable two-factor authentication – Start with email and banking
Write down passwords – Keep the list in a locked drawer
Train your team – Share this course with employees
Set a reminder – Review passwords every 6 months

Remember the 3-2-1 Rule

3 Random Words + 2 Numbers + 1 Symbol

Example: Window28#BananaRocket

15+ characters = Strong
Random words = Hard to guess
Numbers + symbol = Extra security

Need Help Securing Your Business?

SKTS offers security audits and password policy consulting to help you protect your business from cyber threats.

📞 Call Jerry at 540.303.2410

Security consulting • Employee training • Winchester, VA and surrounding areas

💼 Ongoing Support Available

Subscription services starting at $35/mo per machine – includes security monitoring, updates, and priority support.

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