🔐 Best Practices in Password Management for Small Businesses

In today’s cyber-threat landscape, strong password management isn’t just a best practice — it’s business-critical. For small businesses, where one data breach can mean serious financial and reputational damage, managing credentials effectively is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to improve cybersecurity.

Here’s how to do it right.

🗓️ Set Password Change Timelines

Passwords shouldn’t last forever. But how often should you change them?

Recommended guidelines:

• Every 90 days for standard user accounts

• Every 60 days for administrator or privileged accounts

• Immediately if there’s evidence of a breach or phishing attempt

Avoid reusing previous passwords — and always require a change when onboarding/offboarding employees.

📱 Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even the strongest passwords can be compromised. That’s where 2FA adds an essential second layer of protection.

With 2FA, users confirm their identity with:

• A one-time code from a text, email, or authenticator app

• A physical device like a YubiKey or fingerprint scan

Enable 2FA on:

• Email accounts

• Cloud services (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.)

• Remote access tools (VPNs, dashboards)

• Banking and financial systems

Most major platforms support 2FA — it’s one of the easiest ways to dramatically reduce account compromise risk.

🔑 Use a Business-Class Password Manager

Employees juggling multiple logins are more likely to reuse weak passwords. A password manager solves that by:

• Storing complex, unique passwords securely

• Auto-filling login credentials

• Allowing centralized control and user permissions

Top password managers for small businesses:

• 1Password Business

• Dashlane for Teams

• Bitwarden Teams

• LastPass Business

Look for a solution with admin dashboards, role-based access, and secure password sharing.

✅ Bonus Best Practices

• Enforce minimum complexity: Use at least 12 characters with upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Audit regularly: Review employee access and remove unused accounts.

• Educate your team: Make password training part of onboarding and quarterly check-ins.

🛡️ Stay Secure with TodoSecure

At TodoSecure, we help small businesses implement and manage password policies, deploy 2FA company-wide, and set up secure password management platforms — all as part of our Managed IT Services.

Let’s keep your business safe, byte by byte.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a free IT health check.