PC Matic, an American cybersecurity firm, and a 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner for Best Cyber Security Solution in the annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, has announced the release of its third annual report analyzing users and their password habits and hygiene.

The sixteen-page 2021 Password Habits and Hygiene Report introduces the results of a nationally distributed survey in which 2,500 Americans were asked about their password behaviors and tendencies.

The findings, fielded in May 2021, found that nearly 30% of Americans are not sure when they last changed their passwords, or have never done so at all.

The survey also revealed lax corporate password policies, finding that nearly a fifth of employers nationwide have never required their employees to change their passwords.

More key findings from the 2021 Password Habits and Hygiene Report are as follows:

• Nearly 60% of those surveys responded that they have never changed their home Wi-Fi password, or that it hasn’t been changed since setup.

  • In 2020, 50% of those surveys responded in this same manner.

• 40% of respondents indicated that they are using the password lockout feature on both their work and home computers. 

  • This number is up from 25% responding that they used this feature in 2020’s survey results.

• Just short of 45% of employers don’t require their employees to utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

  • 2020’s survey results showed just a slightly higher number of respondent’s employers requiring a VPN, with 46% affirming they were required to use the security tool.

• More than 50% of respondents admit to checking personal e-mail accounts at work. 

  • This number remains virtually unchanged from 2020’s survey results, and still presents an imminent threat to corporate networks.

“As employees’ transition from work-from-home to in-office work environments again, it is the perfect time implement password policies and procedures that can keep employees and corporate networks safe,” explains Rob Cheng, the CEO and Founder of PC Matic.

“The 2021 Password Habits and Hygiene Report aimed to understand the policies and procedures being implemented and abided by users across the nation and provides further insight into how corporate IT professionals can protect networks from cybercriminals.”

Ultimately, the 2021 Password Habits and Hygiene Report concludes with the warning that many Americans still at high risk for falling victim to cybercrime.

The importance of passwords shouldn’t be overlooked. Passwords are one of the greatest vulnerabilities facing both individuals and organizational cybersecurity, yet those who prioritize proper password hygiene still remain at concerning levels.

PC Matic Password Recommendations:

Top Tips for Individual Users

• Change passwords every six months

• Do not reuse the same passwords

• Use complex passwords

• Enable multi-factor authentication

• Utilizing password lockout thresholds on all work and personal computers

• Do not access personal accounts when connected to an employer’s networks

• Complete cybersecurity training

More findings and the complete report may be found by clicking here.

To Learn More about PC Matic’s ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning Products and services, please visit pcmatic.com.

(See how PC Matic was built to proactively stop modern cyber threats, including advanced strains of the ransomware virus. Courtesy of PC Matic and YouTube.)

PC Matic Recognized in Fourth Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program

American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is now in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.

2020 was a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC had to be canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.

However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’  Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.

PC Matic

Best Cyber Security Solution

• PC Matic Pro

• PC Matic Pro lacks complacency. The world of cyber threats continues to grow at an exponential rate, and PC Matic Pro believes security solutions must evolve as well.

• In Q4 of 2019, approximately 54% of ransomware attacks were executed through remote desktop protocol (RDP) ports, a hole the cyber security industry must address.

• PC Matic Pro did just that with the addition of RDP Lifeline, available at no additional cost for all PC Matic Pro customers and includes the ability to enable and disable RDP ports across the network, schedule when RDP ports are to be enabled, as well as displays a full report of all RDP port activity.

• Additionally, IT professionals are notified in real-time via the alert system when a new, unauthorized RDP session attempts to execute, so they can then either enable or disable the session right there from their phone or computer.

• PC Matic Pro also deploys a two-part security component to prevent unauthorized users from uninstalling its security solution which successfully limits the threat of an unauthorized user exploiting a hole within the network and removing the security solution to execute malicious activities.

• *PC Matic was also recognized in the 2019, 2018 and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.

The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification	Personal/Protective Equipment	Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System	Interagency Interdiction Operation	Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition	Body Worn Video Product	Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS	Mobile Technology	Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics	Disaster Preparedness	ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera	Mass Notification System	Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection	Rescue Operations	Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition	Detection Products	And Many Others!

COVID Innovations

And Many Others!

 

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.

As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.

It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

• For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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