Still Using “123456”? Let’s Fix That: How to Strengthen Your Passwords and Stay Secure

We get it—remembering passwords is a pain. That’s why so many people reuse the same simple ones across different accounts. But those habits can put your personal and business data at serious risk.

Hackers don’t have to try too hard when passwords like “123456” or “password” are still in play. These are always at the top of the list when attackers launch automated login attempts. And if you’re reusing the same password for multiple accounts? One breach could give a hacker access to everything.

So, what makes a good password? Experts say it should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Password managers can help you generate strong, unique passwords and store them safely—no sticky notes needed.

But even with a strong password, there’s more you can do. Let’s talk about it.

Why Multi-Factor Authentication Is a Must

Strong passwords are important—but they’re just one part of the puzzle. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just your password to log in.

There are three types of factors used in MFA:

Something you know (like a password or PIN)
Something you have (like your phone or a hardware key)
Something you are (like your fingerprint or face)

Some of the most common MFA methods include:

Text message codes – Easy to use but more vulnerable to SIM-swapping scams
Authenticator apps – Generate secure codes on your phone without relying on texts
Hardware tokens – Physical devices that offer high security and are hard to spoof

MFA can feel like an extra step, but it’s a simple way to block unauthorized access—especially if a password ever gets compromised.

What’s Next? The Future of Logging In

Passwords may eventually become a thing of the past. New authentication methods are already gaining traction, and they’re a big step forward.

Biometrics – Fingerprints and facial recognition are fast and convenient, though not completely foolproof.
Behavioral biometrics – These use things like how you type or move your mouse to confirm it’s really you.
FIDO (Fast Identity Online) – This standard uses encrypted devices or keys to eliminate passwords entirely. Companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are already adopting it.

Even with smarter tech, user awareness is still critical. Most data breaches happen because of human error—like clicking a bad link or falling for a fake login page. That’s why education is just as important as good tools.

How to Keep Your Passwords (and Accounts) Safe

You don’t have to be a tech expert to follow smart security habits. Here are a few simple but powerful steps you can take:

Turn on MFA wherever it’s available
Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords
Stay alert to phishing scams and never click sketchy links
Keep an eye on your accounts with breach alerts like Have I Been Pwned
Update your passwords regularly—especially after a breach

Businesses should also go a step further with cybersecurity training, enforced password policies, and regular audits.

Common Password Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many people fall into the same traps:

1. Using Easy-to-Guess Passwords

If your password is “Password123” or your dog’s name and birth year, it’s time to upgrade.

2. Reusing Passwords

One password for multiple accounts is like using the same key for your house, car, and office.

3. Ignoring MFA

It’s one of the easiest ways to double your security, and yet many people still skip it.

4. Writing Passwords Down

Whether it’s a sticky note or a Word doc named “logins,” it’s just not safe. Use a password manager instead.

5. Never Changing Passwords

Even strong passwords should be updated regularly—especially for important accounts like email, banking, or work portals.

Let’s Lock Things Down (The Right Way)

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem—it’s a team effort. Whether you’re managing your personal logins or leading a business, strong authentication is one of the best ways to protect your data.

Need help building a smarter, safer login strategy? We’re here for that. Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, and serving businesses across the greater Atlanta area, we specialize in making security simple.

Let’s make sure your passwords don’t become your weakest link. Reach out today.

06/26/2025