The project management sector demands skills in leadership, communication, and, importantly, risk management.
Managers must possess strong problem-solving skills to assess and identify potential project risks. Of these possible risks, password security stands out as a critical issue that must be proactively addressed early.
What’s the solution?
Project managers must operate under a sense of urgency while applying natural detail-oriented approaches to password safety. This article will explore the latest strategies for PM password protection, including:
- Strong password creation techniques (including policies)
- Password management strategies
- Multi-factor authentication measures
- Password monitoring and auditing
- Employee training on password security
Consider the following strategies for your own password management policy.
How to Create Smart Passwords
What defines a strong password?
Project management projects often rely on multiple tools, primarily cloud-based SaaS tools like team collaboration apps, timetable tracking platforms, resource management software, and more specialized options.
Each one of these tools require separate password-protected access which demands creating multiple unique passwords. This is a good time to consider the security benefits of investing in all-in-one tools that keep all of your project management activities in one place, from communication channels to digital kanban boards.
Work with a trusted SaaS account manager when installing and setting up these tools; this consideration will add an additional layer of security to your project management workflow.
Next, create your passwords in accordance with your company’s password security policy. This policy outlines (and mandates) secure password creation steps.
Each password created must be unique. Strong passwords contain the following variables:
- Upper and lowercase letters
- Numbers
- Special characters
These passwords should be a mix of characters. Avoid including complete words or phrases in your passwords. You don’t want your passwords to be identifiable, memorable, or easily shared.
Complex passwords contain at least 12 characters. These passwords should be updated within 90 days of creation; mandate this in your company password policy, including stipulations that updates be managed and implemented by the IT security team.
Centralize Your Password Management
Password managers define smart password security. Start by researching tools like Bitdefender SecurePass. You’ll notice these password managers leverage security measures to both streamline and protect passwords.
These types of tools are now industry standard, leveraging end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive passcode data through multiple verification processes.
These practices align with the philosophy of zero trust architecture which mandates that no user, application, or device should be inherently trusted, thereby prompting a multi-verification authentication process.
Password management policies that follow zero-trust architecture principles also monitor password activity across all devices and applications, including updates. Usage data analysis can flag IT security teams to any anomalies or potentially suspicious patterns in password use to further enhance safety.
Password managers function as “vaults” by storing passwords and login credentials. These vaults also issue critical alerts when it’s time to update passwords to avoid leaks from potential application breaches. When accessing an application, users don’t have to input passwords; the password vault immediately inputs the password, masking it with asterisks.
Beyond the Keyboard With Biometrics
Zero-trust architecture has evolved to include the latest in biometrics, a cornerstone of high-security multi-factor authentication.
The most recognizable form of biometrics is fingerprint identification; this allows users to access touchscreen devices with their fingerprints. However, the principles of multi-factor authentication also mandates additional forms of verification, including passwords.
The next form is facial recognition. This method is also gaining more traction with mobile and tablet-based applications. Remote work platforms can also use facial recognition to verify employee identities.
Biometric verification is used both on-site, as well as digital spaces. High-security workplaces may require iris and retina recognition or handprint verification before inputting a passcode. Voice recognition is another viable multi-factor authentication method.
Create a Culture of Password Security
Inspire project management team members to take interest and ownership in password security. Leaders can do this through creative culture-building strategies.
First, develop a comprehensive password security training program. You could administer this through online learning modules and in-person presentations. Invite thought-leaders in password security to give presentations; this will inspire a deeper interest in digital security in team members.
Make password training a part of onboarding strategy; this will instill confidence, comprehension, and ownership of password security in new employees. You could even integrate a security quiz that tests new hires on security protocols.
Discuss the latest advancements in digital security at team conferences and team-building retreats, centering security in your company culture.
Make Password Security Policy a Priority
This quarter, make a conscious effort to improve, communicate, and implement the latest password security methods. Integrate these new principles into your project management workflow, and inspire your team to get on board through Q&A sessions, new software rollouts, and security events.
Turn the ideas presented in this guide into core project management principles and discover the benefits of a high-security approach.
