Skip to content
All posts

The Importance of Secure Passwords; Risks, Tips, and Organizational Safety

Picture of McKenzie Swisshelm   McKenzie Swisshelm  ·  2 minute read

In today's digital landscape, secure passwords are vital for protecting your organization’s sensitive information. As cyber threats continue to evolve, having a strong password policy is essential to mitigating risks and ensuring your organization's security.

logging-cybersecurity-privacy-concepts-protect-data-with-login-icon-internet-network-security-technology-businessman-presses-computer-protect-personal-information

The Risks of Weak Passwords

Weak passwords are a common vulnerability that hackers exploit. Recent data shows that an 8-character password consisting of lowercase letters can be cracked almost instantly. Even passwords with a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers are not much safer, taking only hours to crack​ (gHacks Technology News)​. This highlights the urgent need for stronger password practices.

The consequences of compromised passwords include unauthorized access to confidential information, financial losses, and damage to your organization’s reputation. Hackers often use brute force or dictionary attacks to gain access, and with modern computing power, even more complex passwords can be cracked in a relatively short time.

Tips for Creating Secure Passwords

To protect your organization, here are some best practices for password security:

  1. Use Long and Complex Passwords: Passwords should be at least 12-16 characters long, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The longer and more complex the password, the harder it is for hackers to crack.

  2. Avoid Common Phrases and Patterns: Simple passwords like "123456" or "password" are easily guessed. Avoid using personal information such as birthdays or names.

  3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security with MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

  4. Regularly Update Passwords: Encourage employees to change their passwords regularly and avoid reusing old ones. A password expiration policy can help keep your security measures up to date.

  5. Use a Password Manager: Password managers generate and store complex passwords securely, which reduces the risk of password reuse across multiple accounts.

How ABM’s Managed IT Services Can Help

At American Business Machines (ABM), we understand that password security is just one piece of the cybersecurity puzzle. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, it’s essential to have comprehensive protection in place. ABM's Managed IT Services offer a proactive approach to cybersecurity, providing your organization with the tools and expertise needed to stay ahead of threats.

Our services include not only the implementation of strong password policies but also advanced threat detection, network security, and regular security audits to ensure that your organization is protected from potential breaches. By partnering with ABM, you can focus on your core business while we handle the complexities of IT security.

Secure passwords are critical, but they are just the beginning. Let ABM help you build a robust cybersecurity strategy that protects your business from all angles. For more information on how we can help safeguard your organization, contact us today.