Passwords...
For those us who use Church of Scotland IT equipment, we have regular training on what you might describe as Cyber Security. Last week it was about using passphrases. A passphrase is a sequence of words, typically longer than a traditional password, used to authenticate or secure access to a computer system, online account.
One of the challenges of using passwords is remembering what they are. And of course, it's not just our personal ones we have to hold in mind. There's also the information that relates to our congregations or to our role within the denomination.
One of the challenges around managing I.T. within a church setting is what to do someone leaves or no longer has capacity to do the jobs they were doing. How do you ensure a safe transfer of information?
I.T. is only one area that it is important to consider when it comes to the handover that arises when a person leaves a role within a congregation. Here are some others:
- Authorisations - what does the person's role entitle them to have access to? For example, if it's the Treasurer, are they a signatory on a bank account? Do you know who the other signatories are and do you know what process is needed to change the signatories on the account?
- Keys - does the individual have a set of keys to the building or a cupboard?
- Paperwork - where are the records relating to the role kept? For example, if it's the Session Clerk - where are the minutes of the Kirk Session meetings? If it's the Property Convener - where is the Property Register held? If it's the Treasurer - where are the audit files? If it's the Minister - where is the baptism register?
- Job description and procedures - what does the role require and how does the person do it? What are the key activities throughout the calendar year?
- Contacts - who are the key contacts for that role? For example, if it's the Property Convener, who are the contractors that have provided quotes in the past?
