Make password security a priority for your employees in 2017

Do you know the top 10 passwords used to “secure” enterprise-connected devices in 2016? Sadly and unsurprisingly, here they are, along with how long it would take it would take a computer to crack each (and hack into said device and network):

Andrew Puzder’s view of women should disqualify him as Secretary of Labor

On Saturday, millions worldwide (2.6 million, according to USA Today) marched for women’s rights. On February 2, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee will hold its confirmation hearing for Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder.

“What does one have to do with the other,” you ask? Consider this—

On the news: Hyman on reckless employee tweets and our new President

Last Thursday morning I received a call from Mike Brookbank, a reporter for WEWS, our local ABC affiliate. “I saw your quotes on Money.com on how to post on social media about President Trump without losing your job. I’m pitching a similar story for tonight’s news. Care to be interviewed?”

WIRTW #445 (the “dynamic duo” edition)

Last weekend was School of Rock weekend for the Hyman family. My kids showed a packed club what they’ve been working on for the past four months.

Norah never disappoints when she performs (or in life, for that matter). Some 10 year old girls play sports, some dance, some cheer ... mine just kicks ass.

Witness the power of a three-song selection from her Power Trios show, about which I heard whispers was one the best shows any of the three Cleveland-area Schools of Rock has ever done.


Not to be outdone, Donovan made his singing debut a few hours prior. I give the kid a ton of credit. He had a nervous meltdown before leaving the house that afternoon. With a lot help from Mom (and a little from Dad), he composed himself, stood up in front hundreds of strangers, and sang his heart out (complete with dance moves) on The Beatles’ I Saw Her Standing There.


The encore performance is this Sunday (Jan. 22) at Brothers Lounge. Donovan should take the stage around 4 p.m., with Norah to follow at 5:30.

Here’s what I read this week:

A not-so-subtle reminder about the need for cybersecurity training

I feel like I’ve written a lot lately about the need for cybersecurity training for employees (for example, here, here, and here). Yet, as long as employees keep opening unknown emails and clicking on strange links, we need reminders of why this training is necessary. And, just this past week, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District offered a great teachable moment.

OSHA suggests employer best practices for anti-retaliation programs

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published recommended best practices to protect from retaliation employees who report workplace safety or other concerns under any of the 22 statutes OSHA enforces.

The document, entitled, Recommended Practices for Anti-Retaliation Programs [pdf], outlines five key elements of an effective anti-retaliation program:

Pets in your workplace? Assess the risks and draft a policy.

A reader recently emailed the following question:

Some people need service dogs to get to work. But many more simply want to take their dogs to work. What is the protocol? What are the HR rules on this? And what are the penalties for illegally taking a dog to work?

Are you thinking about opening up your business to employees’ pets? You will find very few resources on the internet to help. And, you will need a written policy before you allow pets in. Here are some considerations: