Why Weak Passwords Pose a Serious Threat
Cybersecurity threats are evolving every day, and weak passwords are still one of the biggest vulnerabilities for businesses. As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we want to highlight the risks of weak passwords, how they’re hacked, and how your business can protect itself.
Understanding the Impact of Weak Passwords
Did you know that 81% of data breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords? Cybercriminals know that employees often use simple, easy-to-remember passwords, and they exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive company data. A single weak password can be the key to unlocking your entire network.
For businesses, the consequences of a data breach can be severe: financial losses, legal penalties, and damage to your reputation. Whether you’re a small business or a larger organisation, strengthening your password security should be a top priority.
Five Ways Passwords Are Hacked
Brute Force Attacks
Hackers use automated tools to try millions of password combinations until they find the correct one. Simple passwords, like “123456,” can be cracked in seconds.
Phishing Attacks
Cybercriminals trick users into revealing their passwords by posing as legitimate organisations through fake emails or websites.
Password Spraying
In this method, hackers use common passwords across many accounts, hoping one will work. This is effective because many users still use common or default passwords.
Credential Stuffing
When a password is leaked in one breach, hackers use that same password on other accounts, banking on the fact that many people reuse passwords across multiple platforms.
Keylogging and Malware
Hackers can install malicious software on your computer that records every keystroke, including passwords, without you knowing.
The Top 10 Hacked Passwords
According to recent studies, these are the most commonly hacked passwords in 2024:
- 123456
- 123456789
- qwerty
- password
- 12345
- qwerty123
- 1q2w3e
- 12345678
- 111111
- 1234567890
If you recognise any of these passwords being used in your organisation, it’s time for an immediate change. Source
Why These Passwords Are So Vulnerable
These passwords are popular for a reason: they’re easy to remember and quick to type. However, their simplicity is exactly what makes them dangerous. Hackers know these passwords are widely used, and they’re the first ones automated tools will try in brute force or password-spraying attacks.
Passwords like “123456” and “password” don’t stand a chance against even the most basic hacking tools. They lack complexity, length, and uniqueness—all key factors in what makes a strong password.
Creating Strong and Unique Passwords
Now that we know what not to do, how can you create strong passwords that resist hacking attempts?
Length: Aim for at least 12 characters. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack.
Complexity: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., !@#$%^&).
Avoid Dictionary Words: Don’t use common words or phrases, especially names, birthdays, or easily guessed sequences like “abcdef” or “password123.”
Uniqueness: Every password should be unique to the account it’s protecting. Reusing passwords across different accounts makes all of them vulnerable if one is breached.
A good example of a strong password might be: 7F$z@18z2K!l.
Additional Security Measures
In addition to creating strong passwords, here are other ways to protect your business:
Password Managers: Password managers can generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account, so employees don’t have to remember them all.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Even the strongest password can be compromised. Enabling 2FA adds a second layer of security by requiring users to enter a unique code sent to their phone or email.
Regular Updates: Ensure passwords are updated regularly, at least every 90 days, and discourage employees from using the same password for long periods.
Monitor for Breaches: Use services like Have I Been Pwned to check if any of your employees’ passwords have been exposed in a data breach.
Strengthen Your Password Security Posture
As you trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP), we understand that managing cybersecurity can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with password security across an entire organisation. At Insight IT, we can help by:
- Implementing Security Protocols. We can set up company-wide password policies, enforce 2FA, and install password management tools to help your business create and store strong, unique passwords.
- Monitoring and Alerts. We provide continuous monitoring for suspicious activity related to password usage, immediately alerting you to potential breaches or vulnerabilities.
- Training and Awareness. Cybersecurity starts with your employees. We offer regular training sessions to help your staff recognise phishing attempts, understand the importance of password security, and stay up to date on best practices.
- 24/7 Support. Cyber threats don’t wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock to address any security concerns, from password resets to responding to potential breaches.
Conclusion
Weak passwords are an open door for cybercriminals, but the good news is that with the right measures, this door can be locked. By creating strong passwords, using additional security layers like 2FA, and partnering with Insight IT, you can greatly reduce the risk of a cyberattack.
If you’re concerned about your company’s password security or want to learn more about how we can help protect your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to ensure your cybersecurity is as strong as it can be.
