In this digital revolution, businesses are using the latest security tools and security services to protect their assets. But, poor password habits are still one of the biggest entry points for malware attacks, computer hacking, and data breaches.
At Security Tower, we perform security assessments and malware analysis for companies across the Netherlands. And one thing we are regularly identifying is the password problem. Weak, reused, or poorly stored passwords are still opening the door to malware threats and serious financial losses.
In this blog, we are going to identify and discuss top 10 password mistakes. Why businesses are still making these mistakes. And how these mistakes can open the door towards malware and vulnerabilities. This blog is also providing a complete guideline to fix these password mistakes.
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Using Weak or Common Passwords
Businesses are still using “123456” or “qwerty” passwords, because they think that these types of passwords are easy to remember. If you are using this type of password, then you are at serious risk. Hackers use automated tools to guess passwords in seconds. If your business uses predictable passwords, then you are practically inviting computer hacking attempts. Because simple passwords are allowing the hackers to access official assets of the business.
Fix:
Don’t use common or simple passwords. Use long, complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. It is recommended to use a password manager, because passwords managers are helpful to generate and store strong passwords. For example, a password with more than 8 characters is considered a strong password.
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Reusing the Same Password across Accounts
The same password for all accounts is a big mistake. If one password gets leaked in a data breach, then hackers will try that same password on your email, cloud systems, and internal tools. This method is called credential stuffing. And this method is still one of the most common ways to access business networks.
Fix:
It is recommended to use different passwords for different accounts. Never reuse passwords. Use unique credentials for each system, especially for admin, financial accounts, database accounts, and for user login accounts.
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Storing Passwords in unsecure places
During security assessment and during security audit, we still find passwords written on sticky notes, shared via email, or stored in plain text files. During our malware detection process, it is identified that the passwords are stored at an insecure location. These practices put your systems at high risk.
Fix:
It is recommended to use a secure and encrypted password manager. These password managers can store passwords safely and are also helpful to generate strong passwords.
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Sharing Passwords between Employees
In small teams, the passwords and login details are shared with each other to access different tools and apps. This practice is dangerous for the overall security of the business environment. Because it creates confusion, accountability issues, and huge security vulnerabilities. Also shared passwords make it harder to spot unauthorized access or insider threats. Because the same passwords and same accounts are accessed by the employees from different locations and from different devices.
Fix:
Assign different accounts to each user and manage access rights based on role. This is a basic step in building strong security controls. It is recommended to use different accounts for all team members to access tools or apps.
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Not Updating Passwords Regularly
It is a common practice that the same passwords are used for a long time. Even strong passwords can become weak if they are used for too long. If credentials are stolen during a malware attack, while the password has not been changed in months. Then you could be exposed without even knowing.
Fix:
It is recommended to update important passwords every 60–90 days. Particularly for critical systems like VPNs, email accounts, financial accounts, and admin dashboards.
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Ignoring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of protection. MFA is a powerful way to avoid password hacking. Even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t access your account without the second factor (like a text code). But unfortunately, many businesses are still unable to deploy MFA.
Fix:
For a strong password protection, it is recommended to enable MFA on every account that supports it. MFA is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of malware and vulnerabilities.
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Failing to Monitor for Leaked Credentials
Sometimes, passwords are leaked on the dark web after phishing or malware attacks. The businesses are not aware about these malware attacks. That’s why it is required to monitor the credentials. If your credentials are exposed and you’re not monitoring for it, hackers can use these credentials to expose vulnerabilities.
Fix:
Use a dark web monitoring tool or partner with a cybersecurity firm like Security Tower to scan for leaked credentials linked to your domain. This step is very important to protect your precious data from hackers.
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Poor Employee Training on Password Security
Even with the best tech, human error remains the biggest threat to businesses. Employees are the first line of defense for any business. If your staff is not trained to recognize phishing attempts, then your business is vulnerable to cyber threats. This lack of awareness is often the root cause of malware threats.
Fix:
Invest in regular training sessions for your employees. There are phishing simulations available to conduct employee training. Security Tower offers interactive programs that teach your employees how to avoid malware attacks. How to avoid phishing attacks and how to overcome bad password habits.
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Not Testing Password Security during Assessments
Many businesses conduct general security audits. But they are not focusing on evaluating their password security practices. During our security assessment sessions for different businesses, we have seen that passwords are poorly managed and easily guessable passwords are being used.
Fix:
It is recommended to include password policies, user behavior, and access controls in every security assessment session. Our team at Security Tower does this by default to assess and to improve the password security
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No Company-Wide Password Policy
A clear and well-structured password policy is the requirement of any business. Because without a clearly defined password policy, employees don’t know the required parameters to set up a password. That’s why, they may choose short passwords, write them down, or create patterns that are easy to guess.
Fix:
Create and enforce a written password policy to improve the account security. This password policy must include:
- Minimum password length and password complexity
- Use of password managers to protect passwords
- Rules for password expiration after 30 to 90 days and password reuse policy
- MFA requirements where applicable
How These Password Mistakes Identified in a Security Assessment Lead to Malware Attacks
The poor passwords are the first entry point from where the cyber-attacks start. Here is the chain of events from weak password to malware attacks.
- Weak passwords are predicted or leaked.
- Hacker accesses a system (email, file share, CRM).
- They upload a malicious file or gain admin privileges by using a weak password.
- They inject malware file or code
- Malware threats spread through the network.
- Important data is stolen, encrypted, or deleted
- Finally resulting in costly malware attacks.
With strong and secure passwords, you can block one of the easiest entry points for computer hacking.
How Security Tower Helps
At Security Tower , we provide password security as a core part of every malware analysis, vulnerability scan, and cybersecurity training. Because passwords are the first line of defense for any business.
Security Tower provides:
- Auditing of current password practices being followed in the businesses
- Malware threat detection and isolating compromised credentials
- Strong password and access control policy to improve the security of systems
- Employee training on password and security awareness
- Password managers and MFA to implement 2 nd layer security
Contact Security Tower today for security consultation or password audit. Let’s close the gaps before hackers find them.
