ANIXIS Password Reset

Secure Your Account: Best Practices After an ANIXIS Password ResetA password reset is a routine but critical event in account security. After completing an ANIXIS password reset, it’s important to follow additional steps to ensure your account and related systems remain protected. This guide walks you through immediate actions, configuration changes, and ongoing habits that reduce risk and help prevent future compromises.

1. Confirm the Password Reset Was Legitimate

• Verify the source of the reset: ensure the reset was initiated by you or an authorized admin.
• Check the reset notification email or system message for signs of phishing (unexpected sender address, suspicious links, unusual urgency).
• If you didn’t request the reset, contact your ANIXIS administrator or support immediately and do not click any links in suspicious messages.

2. Choose a Strong, Unique Password

• Use a password that is long (12+ characters recommended), mixes upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoids dictionary words or personal information.
• Do not reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If you reuse passwords, an attacker who obtains one credential can access other accounts.
• Consider a passphrase — a few unrelated words strung together — for both memorability and strength.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• If ANIXIS supports MFA, enable it immediately. MFA adds a second layer of defense beyond the password.
• Prefer app-based authenticators (e.g., Authenticator apps) or hardware security keys (FIDO2/WebAuthn) over SMS where possible.
• Enroll multiple recovery methods if allowed (e.g., an authenticator app plus a backup hardware key), but keep backup methods secure.

4. Review and Revoke Active Sessions and API Tokens

• Log out other devices and sessions: use ANIXIS’s account settings to sign out of all active sessions or revoke session tokens. This prevents attackers who may have active sessions from staying logged in.
• Review and rotate API keys, service accounts, and integration tokens that were accessible with the old password — rotate them if you suspect compromise or as a routine post-reset step.

5. Audit Account Settings and Recovery Options

• Verify recovery email addresses and phone numbers are correct and belong to you. Remove any unfamiliar recovery options.
• Check account permissions and role assignments; ensure no unauthorized admin privileges were granted.
• Review any linked third-party apps or OAuth grants and remove anything unfamiliar or unnecessary.

6. Scan for Signs of Compromise

• Review recent account activity and logs for unusual actions (failed logins, logins from unfamiliar IP addresses or geolocations, unexpected configuration changes).
• If ANIXIS provides security logs or alerts, export and review them. If you find suspicious activity, escalate to security or support teams and preserve logs for investigation.

7. Update Stored Passwords Securely

• If you used a browser to store the old password, update or remove the saved entry. Browser-saved passwords can be extracted if your device is compromised.
• Use a reputable password manager to store the new password and generate unique passwords for other accounts. Password managers simplify using unique, strong passwords.

8. Secure Your Devices

• Ensure the device(s) you use to access ANIXIS are patched and running updated antivirus/endpoint protection.
• Use full-disk encryption and enable automatic screen lock. Strong endpoint security reduces chances an attacker steals credentials locally.
• Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks without a trusted VPN when accessing sensitive accounts.

9. Educate and Coordinate with Your Team

• If you are an admin, notify relevant team members about the reset and any actions they should take (e.g., rotating shared credentials, re-enrolling MFA).
• Share best-practice guidance: unique passwords, MFA, recognizing phishing, and reporting suspicious activity promptly.

10. Implement Longer-Term Security Controls

• Enforce organization-wide password policies: minimum length, complexity, and rotation rules appropriate to your risk profile.
• Enforce MFA for all users, preferably requiring phishing-resistant methods for administrators and privileged accounts.
• Use Single Sign-On (SSO) and centralized identity providers with strong security features where possible to reduce password fatigue and improve control.

11. Plan for Incident Response

• Have an incident response plan that includes steps for compromised credentials: containment (password resets, session revocations), eradication (malware removal, token rotation), recovery, and post-incident review.
• Keep contact information for ANIXIS support and your internal security contacts readily available.

12. Regularly Review and Test Security Posture

• Conduct periodic reviews of account security settings, access logs, and third-party integrations.
• Run phishing simulations and security awareness training for users.
• Test incident response procedures with tabletop exercises or drills to ensure rapid, coordinated action if a compromise occurs.

By treating a password reset as an opportunity to strengthen your security posture — not just a simple credential swap — you reduce the chance of follow-on attacks and improve overall resilience. Following the steps above will help ensure your ANIXIS account stays secure after a reset.