Katie Hamada
Chief People Officer,
Crowe LLP
In recent years the understanding of what the most critical criteria of what makes a password most secure has transitioned from complexity of the password to the length of the password, or pass phrases. However, weak passwords continue to be a target of attackers and common vulnerability in attacks...
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Viewpoints from Crowe
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Viewpoints from Crowe
In recent years the understanding of what the most critical criteria of what makes a password most
secure has transitioned from complexity of the password to the length of the password, or pass phrases. However, weak passwords continue to be a target of attackers and common vulnerability in attacks.
The criticality of password security, specifically the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA), has become more of a focus as organizations have supported a more robust remote working capability during the pandemic. Additionally, insurance companies have started demanding organizations have MFA as a requirement of cybersecurity coverage. Most organizations focus on MFA though smartphone notifications or one-time passcodes (OTP).
Adoption of security controls is always more successful when the impact on users is minimized. Lower-friction authe ntication solutions help achieve this goal of increasing security without increasing complexity. Innovations in authentication security will continue to push the boundaries of secure authentication, further reducing friction without sacrificing security.
In addition, these innovations will help with the success of zero-trust infrastructures. Organizations leveraging behavioral biometrics report fewer breaches. Leveraging frictionless solutions will help seamlessly authenticate a user when accessing organizational resources, establishing trust at the time resources are being requested.
The frequency and impact of data security incidents will continue to grow until organizations adopt more advanced security controls. Innovation within authentication solutions will be imperative to support future security programs that are resilient in the face of ever-evolving threats.
At Crowe LLP, we understand that trust is the foundation of any successful organization. While society broadly focuses on technology and AI, we firmly believe that there must be emphasis on the human aspect of work. Our daily attitudes matter. We influence other people’s lives as leaders who build trust, and we can inspire or create a terrible environment to work in and be in. We have formalized our partner performance evaluations to include three categories: strategy, purpose and values, and our people. Trust is a core value, and we evaluate our partners on their ability to create a positive team environment and culture built on inclusion, belonging, care, and trust. This sets the tone for the entire organization, cascading from the top. To measure trust within our teams, we conduct regular employee engagement surveys. We monitor these ratings year over year to identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes. However, building trust requires consistent behavior from leadership, modeling the values we hold dear and doing the things we say we’re going to do. In times of change or uncertainty, such as during election years, the importance of employee well-being and trust becomes even more apparent. Change drives stress and anxiety, which can impact mental health. From calls with our Employee Assistance Program to events like “Talk Saves Lives” on World Suicide Prevention Day, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. Ultimately, building trust with employees comes down to creating a culture where every individual feels valued, heard, and supported.
National Head of Private Clients, Crowe UK
Katie Hamada