In the News
New standards are being set for corporate responses to security breaches! In Nest is locking users out of their accounts if it thinks their passwords have been breached, Jon Porter at The Verge discusses how one smart device company is forcing its users to change their passwords to protect their accounts and privacy. Porter elaborates that this is a more cautious and consumer-oriented approach to security breach responses and is meant to force password change instead of merely recommending it.
Our Take
Passwords are the first line of defense for your various online accounts. They serve to protect the privacy of all of the information stored in an account and the access to your information that a particular account may have. Passwords are especially important when they protect accounts storing financial information or physical locations. Nest is a smart security camera that monitors a user’s physical safety. If a Nest user’s account is breached, they could potentially endanger the use physically in addition to obtaining various personal information stored on the Nest account. Nest’s decision to take a firmer stance towards password protection and better password practices helps to ensure both the security of user information and their physical well-being.
Recommendations
How can you ensure your accounts are secure through password protection?
- Use safe password practices, and take advantage of Multi-factor Authentication where possible
- Change your passwords frequently, especially in the wake of a security breach at a company you use
- Immediately change your password if prompted by a company, being diligent about this can protect you in the future!