Have you ever wonder about the strength of your passwords? Is ‘longer’ synonymous with ‘stronger’ in the cybersecurity world? Let’s unveil some truths about password protection.

Recent insights suggest a startling revelation: Even a password stretching 15 characters isn’t invincible. Contrary to popular belief, length alone doesn’t guarantee security.

Here’s a shocker: the eight-character password, often deemed ‘secure’, is the most frequently breached. And those confidently relying on their 15-character codes? They might need to rethink, as even these can be vulnerable. The most commonly cracked eight-character password is the all-too-familiar “password”. For 15 characters? The dubious honor goes to “Sym_newhireOEIE”.

A bit unnerving, right?

But the concern isn’t confined to individuals. Businesses are equally, if not more, at risk. A whopping 86% of cyberattacks trace back to pilfered credentials. This means nearly 9 out of 10 breaches can be attributed to password vulnerabilities. The need for caution is clearer than ever.

However, there’s a silver lining. Longer passwords, when crafted thoughtfully, can indeed be resilient. An eight-character one might fall in mere minutes, but a robust 15-character password? It can potentially hold the fort for an astounding 37 million years, especially if it shuns predictable patterns.

Yet, remember, length is just one facet of the multi-dimensional security landscape. You’re still susceptible to cunning phishing attacks.

Enter the era of password managers – a true digital ally. These tools not only concoct lengthy, randomized passwords but also efficiently store and auto-fill them as needed.

Adding another feather in the security cap is two-factor authentication. By confirming your identity through a secondary device-generated code, it offers an added bulwark against breaches. So, even if adversaries crack the code, they’re stopped in their tracks.

If you need help keeping your business better protected, please reach out.

 

Believe your long password is unbreakable? You might want to reconsider. Cyber criminals can decipher even 15-character codes. Dive into our recent video that explains what to do instead.


Wellington, Ontario