A red safe at the center is surrounded by random, password-like characters, symbolizing cyber security. Large text above reads CREATE SECURE PASSWORDS on a blue abstract background. An orange and blue icon appears in the lower left corner.

27 May How to create a secure password

Posted at 13:02h in Security by

Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks to your business.

Why?

Because cyber criminals are getting smarter than ever before. If they manage to crack just one, they could gain access to your sensitive business data, financial information, or even gain control of your entire system.

Cyber criminals use automated tools to guess credentials, allowing them to try out millions of combinations in seconds. So, if you’re using something like “Password123” or “CompanyName2025,” you’re practically handing them the keys to your business.

A compromised login can lead to big issues, such as:

  • Data breaches
  • Financial losses
  • Identity theft
  • Reputation damage

 
How do you create strong credentials without driving yourself (and your team) mad?

Think of your login like a secret recipe—only you should know the ingredients. It should:

  • Be at least 14 characters long (the longer, the better)
  • Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Contain a few numbers and symbols (like @, $, %, or &)
  • Not contain any common words or easily guessable information (like birthdays, names, or the word “password”)

 
Instead of using a single word, try a passphrase—a short, random sentence that only you would understand. For example, instead of “Sailing2025,” try something like “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!” This is much harder to crack yet still easy to remember.

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Using personal info (your name, birthday, business name, etc.)
  • Reusing the same credentials across multiple accounts
  • Using simple sequences (“123456” or “abcdef”)
  • Storing credentials in an easily accessible place (like a sticky note on your desk)

 
If remembering unique logins for every account sounds impossible, consider using a password manager. These generate strong credentials, store them securely, and autofill them for you.

With a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master key for the manager app itself. The rest are encrypted and stored safely, reducing the risk of data breaches.

Even the strongest login isn’t foolproof, which is why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is also important. MFA requires a second form of verification, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated from an authentication app.

If your employees access business systems, it’s a good idea to establish security rules explaining best practices. These should include:

  • Unique credentials for each system and account
  • Regular security training
  • Business-wide use of MFA for critical systems
  • Scanning for compromised accounts regularly

 
By making security a priority, you can reduce the chances of a cyber attack creating a nightmare for your business.

And if you need help making your business more secure, get in touch.