Passwords: Why They Matter More Than You Think

Let’s be honest. Most people do not think much about their passwords until something goes wrong. Maybe you got locked out of an account or heard about a friend getting hacked. It is easy to shrug it off until it happens to you or your business.

The truth is that passwords are the keys to your digital world. And when those keys fall into the wrong hands, it can cost more than you might expect.

A Look at the Numbers

Here are a few facts that might surprise you:

• Around 80 percent of hacking-related breaches happen because of weak or stolen passwords

• About 64 percent of people still reuse passwords across multiple accounts

• The average cost of a cyber-attack caused by a stolen password is more than $100,000 for small businesses

That is not just lost money. It is lost trust, downtime, legal headaches, and a major hit to your reputation.

So What Makes a Strong Password?

A strong password is long, unique, and not something you would easily guess. If you are using names, birthdays, or simple words, it is time to make a change.

A good example might look like this: TreehouseDinner48!Blue

That is the kind of password a hacker will have a hard time breaking. But let’s be real, who can remember dozens of complex passwords for every login?

That Is Where a Password Manager Comes In

Password managers take the stress out of security. They store all your logins in a secure vault and can even generate strong, random passwords for you. You only have to remember one master password.

For small business owners, this is a no-brainer. It protects your accounts, your employees, and your customers. Add multi-factor authentication on top of that, and you are in a much better place.

Final Thoughts

If you have been putting off getting your passwords in order, now is the time. One compromised account can open the door to a much bigger problem. But with the right tools and a little help, it is easier than you think to stay protected.

I help individuals and businesses in Rockport and surrounding areas get their tech in order, including setting up password managers that are simple and secure. If you want help making your online life a lot safer, I am here for you.

– Your IT Guy, CHAD