Be honest, do you still have a password like “12345” or “password123” lurking around somewhere?
If you’re sheepishly nodding yes, you’re definitely not alone. But here’s the thing… it’s time to do better.
Why Weak Passwords Are a Big Deal
Despite years of advice from IT pros (hello 👋), weak passwords remain one of the biggest open doors for cybercriminals. Recent studies show that “123456” is still the most common password used in businesses. Close runners-up? “password,” “qwerty123,” and, you guessed it, “123456789”.
And no, it’s not just giant corporations making these rookie mistakes. Small and medium businesses are just as guilty, and arguably more vulnerable. Why? Because they often don’t have the resources to bounce back when something goes wrong.
All it takes is one compromised password, and boom, someone could be snooping through your emails, accessing your financials, or worse, grabbing your customer data.
“But We’re Too Small to Be a Target!”
Nope. That’s a myth.
Hackers love small businesses because they're easier to crack. Your systems still hold valuable info even if you're a five-person team. Criminals don’t need a reason; they just need an easy win. And a weak password is like handing them the keys.
What Not to Use
Even if you think your password is “not that bad,” you might be surprised. Using your name? Your pet’s name? Your email address? “Iloveyou”? (Cute, but… no.)
These are all way too easy to guess, or crack with software that tries thousands of combinations in seconds.
How to Fix It (Without Losing Your Mind)
Here’s the good news: making your business more secure doesn’t have to be hard.
- Use a password manager. These handy tools generate strong, unique passwords and remember them for you. No more sticky notes or reusing the same one everywhere.
- Enable two-factor authentication. That’s the thing where you get a code on your phone when logging in. It adds a crucial layer of protection, even if your password gets out.
- Explore passkeys. The future of login security is already here. Passkeys use things like fingerprint scans or facial recognition instead of traditional passwords. Easier for you, tougher for hackers.
Ready to Lock Things Down?
If your team is still using “abc123”, it’s time for a change. Want help reviewing your password setup or rolling out a password manager and 2FA? We’ve got your back, reach out and let’s tighten up that digital front door.
