Preventing data breaches is often seen as a technical endeavor, as IT and security leaders employ various skills and technology to ensure the safety of an establishment or the general public’s information. As effective as these security methods may be, psychological gaps must be recognized as well.
At the end of the day, humans are responsible for setting and entering passwords for authentication. Understanding the logic and motivation behind these through password psychology can expose areas of improvement in cybersecurity in the long run.
What Is Password Psychology?
Password psychology is the study of what makes passwords predictable. There are many security codes, from passphrases to personal identification numbers. Some are easier to memorize or guess, which makes them more accessible for cyberattackers.
An underrated element of password psychology is human behavior. People create and manage their credentials and authentication in a variety of ways. Understanding common habits can help strengthen security postures and discourage poor password hygiene.
How each person runs their password management is based on four key elements.
1. Memory
Many people can distinguish strong passwords from weak ones, as they are characterized by long and challenging characters that almost seem randomized. Unfortunately, these codes are difficult to remember. About 34% of people reset passwords roughly once a month, while 15% did so multiple times a week in 2022.
As a result, people may opt for simpler passwords that they can remember. It also explains why a person may have the same security code for multiple accounts and platforms. Unfortunately, this tendency also increases their risk of a cyberattack.
2. Personality
Personality is also a significant factor in password psychology. A study finds that 66% of people with certain personality traits, such as knowledge and competence, were more likely to pick a stronger password than those without such characteristics.
A person’s personality can also influence their password management. People who are more trusting of others may likely share their security codes versus those who are more discreet. It’s a facet that’s relatively more challenging to alter.
3. Habit
Humans are naturally creatures of habit, and deviating from them is a considerable inconvenience. If a person is used to integrating personal information like their name and birthdate into the password, it can be hard to break away from it.
The desire for more convenience also influences habits. Typing “123456789” is much faster than a computer-generated combination of keyboard characters. While it could be copied and pasted, it may not be part of a person’s log-in routine.
4. Cognitive Bias
Cognitive bias refers to the brain’s pattern of deviation that affects their decision-making. For instance, people naturally have a familiarity bias. Anything foreign or unknown to them is a second choice to what they’re used to, even if it’s better for their cybersecurity.
The availability heuristic is another example of cognitive bias. People guess the probability of an event or occurrence from happening based on what information they have about that situation. If someone is unaware of the dangers of data breaches, they are likely to stick with their old ways.
Putting Password Psychology Into Action
Data breaches occur in all kinds of ways. Some hackers use brute force by testing all potential character arrangements to decrypt a password, while others use dictionary attacks by having a list of common character combinations or phrases. There are even hybrid attacks to ensure a higher success rate.
IT and security specialists must use password psychology to help people comply with their security standards.
Promote Security Throughout the Organization
Foster an organizational culture that values password security. Policies are ideal for this, as people are more likely to pay attention to and remember rules. For example, a password should typically exceed 16 characters for less predictability. Make guidelines about how it should omit any personal information.
Integrate the Use of Password Managers
It’s recommended to update security codes regularly to avoid the likelihood of cyberattackers guessing the codes. There are management systems capable of changing passwords systematically for timely updates. Some can also record the passcodes, which adds convenience and triggers a shift in password management habits.
Provide Cybersecurity Training
Although cybersecurity is prominent throughout numerous industries, there are still generations who may not know its gravity. IT and security experts must dive into the basics and present any recent updates that would reshape people’s password practices. A report finds that 31% of users stop password reuse after cybersecurity training.
Consider Other Authentication Methods
Alphanumeric codes are still strong, but other options, like biometric authentication, can help. About 53% of people believe fingerprint scans are more secure than passwords, while 47% endorse facial recognition. Replace current methods with these or combine them for optimal security measures.
Secure Passcodes
Passwords are necessary to secure data and keep cyberattackers at bay. However, their efficacy lies in human behavior. Use the insights of password psychology to strengthen cybersecurity and authentication efforts.
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