Weak passwords remain one of the biggest cybersecurity threats to businesses today.

Why is that?
Because cyber criminals are more sophisticated than ever. With just one compromised password, they can access sensitive company data, financial records, or even take control of your entire network.

Attackers often use automated tools to test millions of password combinations within seconds. So if you’re still using “Password123” or “CompanyName2025”, you’re practically giving hackers an open invitation.

A stolen password can result in serious consequences, such as:

  • Data breaches
  • Financial loss
  • Identity theft
  • Reputational damage

So, how can you and your team create strong passwords without losing your minds?

Think of your password like a secret recipe — it should be unique, complex, and known only to you. A strong password should:

  • Be at least 14 characters long
  • Use both uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Include numbers and special characters (like @, %, $ or &)
  • Avoid common words or easily guessed info (birthdays, names, “password”, etc.)

Instead of a single word, consider using a passphrase — a short, random sentence that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. For example, instead of “Sailing2025”, try something like “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!” — stronger and still memorable.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

  • Using personal information (names, birthdays, company names)
  • Reusing passwords across different systems
  • Relying on simple patterns like “123456” or “abcdef”
  • Storing passwords in insecure places (like sticky notes)

Worried about remembering different passwords for every account? A password manager can help. These tools generate strong, unique passwords for each login, store them securely, and autofill them when needed.

With a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master password. The rest are encrypted and safely stored, greatly reducing your risk of a breach.

Even the best password isn’t enough on its own. That’s where multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes in. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step — like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app.

If you have a team accessing business systems, it’s wise to implement a password policy. This should outline:

  • The need for unique passwords per account
  • Ongoing security awareness training
  • Mandatory use of MFA for key systems
  • Regular scans for exposed or weak passwords

By taking password security seriously, you can significantly reduce your risk of a cyber attack disrupting your business.

Need guidance on how to improve your business’s password security or wider IT protections? Contact GZD today — we’re here to help.

How can we help you?

Just give us a call  ‣  031 818 9060