We’ve all used passwords long enough to know you need a good one to keep you safe. How confident are you in the security of your passwords? Most people believe that the longer the password, the safer it is.
Here’s a revelation you should pay attention to: even 15-character passwords can be compromised. Yes, you read that right. It’s time to have a frank conversation about password security.
Password Facts
Recent research has shed light on a rather unsettling truth – the length of your password doesn’t guarantee its strength. Eight-character passwords were the standard for a long time, so it’s not so surprising that they are the most compromised. What is surprising is that having a longer password doesn’t necessarily make you safe. In fact, 15-character passwords also find their way into the top ten most compromised lengths (it’s actually at the 8th spot).
There was a cartoon meme that circulated 10+ years ago that poked fun at how we make complicated passwords that are hard to remember, but easy for computer programs to guess. Yet you can make a long password made up of four random words and it would easy to remember but hard for a computer program to decipher.

The Risks
It’s funny, but not true. At least not anymore.
You might be wondering how this is possible. The answer isn’t solely about the password’s length but also about its content and whether you’re using the same password across multiple websites.
The most commonly compromised eight-character password is none other than “password” itself. Obviously not a secure password. Believe it or not, the 15-character password, “Sym_newhireOEIE” is no more secure. It doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, does it?
The risk isn’t limited to individuals; businesses like yours are also in jeopardy. An alarming 86% of all cyberattacks begin with stolen credentials. That’s nearly nine out of ten attacks. Can your business afford to be complacent?
Sure, longer passwords do provide more resistance against brute force cracking. An eight-character password can be cracked in just five minutes, while a strong 15-character one could take up to 37 million years if it’s random and lacks an obvious pattern. Impressive, right?
But remember, this is just one part of the puzzle. Length alone won’t shield you from having your credentials stolen through phishing attacks.

The Security Solution
The solution? Utilize a robust business password manager. Not only will it generate long, random passwords for you, but it will also remember them and autofill your login details.
Additionally, implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). This involves generating a code on a separate device to verify your identity. Even if cybercriminals manage to crack your password, they won’t gain access to your data.
If you’re looking for assistance in fortifying your business’s security, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.