Do you still have at least one password that looks like “12345” or “password123”? If so, you are definitely not alone.

But that does not mean it is safe.

Even after years of advice from IT experts, weak passwords are still everywhere. This is a big problem, because they are one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to break into your business systems.

You would be surprised how many companies are still using passwords that can be cracked in less than a second.

Recent research found that the most common business password is still “123456.” Not far behind are “123456789,” “password,” and the ever-popular “qwerty123.”

These are not just lazy choices. They are wide open doors for hackers.

It is not just huge companies making these mistakes. Small and midsize businesses are just as guilty. In fact, they often face bigger challenges if something goes wrong, since they may not have the same resources to recover.

A single stolen password can give an attacker access to your email, files, financial systems, or even customer data.

The impact can be serious, both financially and to your reputation.

Maybe you are thinking, “We do not have anything worth stealing.” The truth is, you do. Even if your team is small, your accounts, client data, and communications are all valuable to criminals. Hackers do not discriminate. They look for easy wins, and weak passwords are the easiest win out there.

And here is something else to consider. Even if you are not using “123456,” it does not mean your passwords are secure. The research shows people are still using their own email address or name as a password. Some even use phrases like “iloveyou.”

It might sound sweet, but it is not going to keep your systems safe.

So, what can you do to protect your business?

Start by making sure everyone uses strong, unique, randomly generated passwords. Pick longer phrases with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Nothing that is easy to guess.

Nobody wants to remember dozens of complex passwords. That is where a password manager comes in. It can create strong passwords for every login and store them securely, so your team does not have to rely on memory or sticky notes.

You can also enable two-factor authentication. This is where you get a code on your phone or app when logging in. Even if someone steals a password, they cannot access your account without that second code. It is a simple and effective way to add another layer of protection.

Looking to future-proof your security? Take a look at passkeys. These let you log in without using a traditional password at all, relying on biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition, or secure device-based authentication. It is safer, simpler, and quickly becoming the new standard.

At the end of the day, strong passwords—or even better, using password alternatives—are your first line of defense. Do not wait for a security scare to take action. If your team is still using “abc123,” now is the perfect time to make a change.

Need help reviewing your password policy or setting up a secure login system for your team? We are here for you. Reach out any time.