SANS Assessment of Student Learning Plan (ASLP) Security Awareness Training

What strategy can minimize the impact of a password breach?

1. Reusing the same password across different platforms

2. Using a password manager for unique passwords

3. Writing down passwords on a document

4. Using easy-to-remember names

The correct answer is: Using a password manager for unique passwords

Using a password manager for unique passwords is the most effective strategy to minimize the impact of a password breach. This approach helps ensure that each account you create has a strong, unique password that is not used elsewhere. By using a password manager, you can generate complex passwords that are difficult to guess or crack, as well as store them securely. In the event of a breach, if a password is compromised, the damage is limited to just that one account, rather than risking all your accounts if the same password is reused. Furthermore, a password manager can also help in regularly updating passwords and alert you to potential breaches, keeping your accounts even more secure. Other methods, such as reusing the same password across different platforms or using easy-to-remember names, can significantly increase vulnerability. Writing down passwords on a physical document, while perhaps convenient for memory, poses additional risks if that document is lost or accessed by unauthorized individuals. Each of these alternatives can lead to increased exposure and potential unauthorized access, making the use of a password manager the superior choice.