Without meaning to sound dramatic, reusing passwords could lead to massive problems within your organisation. 

Whilst changing and remembering passwords may seem like a bind, it’s nothing compared to the mayhem that could be caused by cybercriminals who acquire your well-used password on the Dark Web. 

Technical Director, Rupert Walmsley, has put together a short but extremely informative video which we’d recommend you view – it really is an eye-opener.  

Here we’ve summarised the basics of the video, giving you information on why you should make sure each password within your personal and business life is unique. 

The scenario 

Imagine the scenario. Several years ago, when you first started online shopping and using social media, you used the same password across all online sites and it has never been changed. During 2012 when LinkedIn suffered a data breach your password was stolen and placed for sale on the Dark Web. Now imagine how easy it is for a cybercriminal to decipher your Amazon credentials, for example, and go on a bit of a shopping spree; it wouldn’t take much – just your regular email address and your widely-used password. 

Stealing passwords 

Above we’ve mentioned how a data breach resulted in a stolen password. Passwords can equally be taken while using a device on unsecure WiFi, or when clicking on a link in a phishing email and then typing in your email address. 

It’s not personal 

Let’s take the scenario a stage further and assume that the aforementioned password has also been used on your business accounts. Hackers will now find it easier to infiltrate your business email and systems. And if you’ve shared your password with other team members for ease, cybercriminals may be able to infiltrate very lucrative areas of your business, such as the finance department. So, not only are you putting your personal finance at risk, but also the success and reputation of your business.  

Cybercriminals are clever and will take advantage of any ‘in’ that they can find – don’t make it easy for them. 

Solutions 

  • Use Password Managers to generate and store secure passwords. 
  • Regulations state that companies need to inform you of security breaches. 
  • Monitor the Dark Web for your passwords (Net Primates can do this for you). 
  • Developers are checking if you have a breached password when you sign up. 
  • There are LOTS of free password and policy resources. 

Take action! 

  • If you know you use a password in more than one place please change it as soon as you can – make today the day! 
  • Speak with your colleagues and stop sharing passwords. 
  • Ask for help if you need it. 

Reusing passwords puts livelihoods and businesses at stake. It doesn’t take much to change passwords… and it doesn’t take much to steal them! Small changes could mean the difference between success and failure. We know this sounds scary, because unfortunately it is; security breaches are happening all the time. If you’re worried and need help, we are here for you. We can advise on the best ways for you and your business to become much more proficient at password management and increase your level of cyber security. 

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