It’s paramount to take a proactive approach to passwords. Passwords are meant to protect your organization’s data, but with so many required, users often take shortcuts. Instead of creating strong, unique passwords, many use easy-to-remember ones or, worse, reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
Studies show 65% of users reuse their passwords, and 64% of exposed credentials are reused elsewhere. With 80% of data breaches stemming from lost or stolen passwords, this practice poses a significant risk. A single breached password can lead to compromised access to other systems.
The Risk of Password Reuse
If an employee’s password is compromised, attackers can use it to access sensitive data or even deploy ransomware, potentially crippling your entire network. Unfortunately, many organizations lack proper systems to prevent password reuse and enforce strong password policies. Having a bolstered comprehensive cybersecurity plan in place is a necessity, and many organizations lack these, along with use of robust passwords and overall architecture of a strong policy.
Mitigating the Risk
Users tend to:
- Use common password patterns
- Reuse passwords across multiple accounts
- Continue using compromised passwords unless forced to change them
To combat this, organizations need comprehensive tools and policies that prevent password reuse. Many use what is know as multi-factor authentication. However, while MFA adds a security layer, attackers can still bypass it if they already have the user’s password.
Strengthen Security with Specops Password Policy
A solution like Specops Password Policy with Breached Password Protection can help. It allows you to block 4 billion known compromised passwords and continuously checks for reused or breached passwords. The system is regularly updated with newly discovered password leaks.
Join Us for a Cybersecurity Event
It’s paramount to take a proactive approach to passwords, as your organizations security depends on it. Want to learn more about cybersecurity and see what a cyberattack looks like? Join us for an in-person workshop on November 12th from 2-4:30 PM at 10 Barrel Brewing Eastside in Bend, Oregon. Velox Systems and TDS will share strategies to keep your organization resilient and answer your questions. Networking and a light reception will follow.
Scan the QR code or click here to sign up!
