Still Using “12345” or “password123”? You’re Not Alone — But You Shouldn’t Be

Let’s be honest: Do you still have at least one password that looks like “12345” or “password123”?

If the answer is yes — you’re far from alone. But that doesn’t make it okay.

Despite years of warnings, weak passwords remain one of the biggest threats to business security. And cyber criminals are still exploiting them every single day.

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The Shocking Truth About Common Passwords

Recent research shows the most common business password is still… “123456.”

Other offenders at the top of the list include:

• “123456789”
• “password”
• “qwerty123”

These aren’t just lazy choices. They’re wide-open doors for attackers.

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Small Businesses Are at Greater Risk

This isn’t just a problem for large enterprises. Small and medium-sized businesses are often more vulnerable — and suffer more when things go wrong.

Why? They may not have:

• In-house IT support
• Formal recovery plans
• The resources to quickly bounce back

Just one stolen password can let someone access:

• Emails and internal communications
• Financial systems
• Confidential client data
• Cloud services and backups

The damage? Financial loss, legal liability, and reputation damage that can take years to recover from.

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“We Don’t Have Anything Worth Stealing” — Think Again

One of the most dangerous assumptions small business owners make is believing they’re not a target.

But attackers don’t discriminate. They go for easy wins — and weak passwords are the easiest of all.

Even if you’re a five-person team, your client information, business emails, and payment systems are all valuable to cyber criminals.

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It’s Not Just the Obvious Ones

Think your passwords are safe because they’re not “123456”? Think again.

Many people use:

• Their own name
• Their email address
• Easily guessed phrases like “iloveyou” or “letmein”

These might seem personal or clever — but they’re incredibly easy to crack, especially with modern tools.

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So, How Do You Strengthen Your Password Security?

Step 1: Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Make sure every login uses:

• A long phrase
• A mix of upper and lowercase letters
• Numbers and symbols
• No personal information

Each password should be completely unique for every system or tool.

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Step 2: Use a Password Manager

No one wants to memorise dozens of complex passwords — and they shouldn’t have to.

A good password manager will:

• Generate strong, random passwords
• Store them securely
• Autofill them when needed

No more sticky notes or reused credentials.

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Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection. Even if a password is stolen, the attacker can’t get in without the second verification step, like a code sent to your phone.

It’s fast, simple, and one of the most effective security tools available.

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Step 4: Future-Proof with Passkeys

Looking ahead? Consider adopting passkeys — a new, secure method of logging in without passwords at all.

Using:

• Biometric authentication (fingerprint or face scan)
• Secure device-based login

Passkeys are easier to use and harder to hack. They’re quickly becoming the new standard in identity security.

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Passwords Are Still Your First Line of Defence

Whether you’re using traditional passwords or exploring alternatives, your login practices matter.

Don’t wait for a breach to take action. If anyone in your business is still using “abc123” — now is the time for change.

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Need Help Securing Your Business?

We help businesses like yours improve their password policies, implement secure login tools, and stay ahead of modern threats.

Want a quick audit or help setting up a safer system? Let’s talk.