Why Strong Passwords Are Still Your First Line of Defence
When we talk with new clients at Gray Area Consulting, one of the first things we often find is how many people still rely on weak or reused passwords. It’s not unusual to see things like Summer2023 or Password123 pop up. Easy to remember, sure — but just as easy for cybercriminals to crack. That’s like locking your business with a screen door and hoping for the best.
Passwords are still one of the most common ways attackers get access to systems. Whether it’s your email, accounting software or cloud-based file storage, if someone guesses a password, they could be inside your business in minutes. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to improve your password practices. Here’s how to get started.
What Makes a Password ‘Strong’?
A strong password is long, unpredictable and unique. Let’s break that down:
- Length: Aim for at least 12 characters. The longer, the better.
- Complexity: Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
- Uniqueness: Don’t reuse passwords across different accounts.
Think of a strong password like a really good padlock. It’s not just about keeping things closed — it’s about making it hard enough that no one bothers trying to break in.
Password Tips That Actually Work
At Gray Area, we get asked all the time, “How do I come up with strong passwords I can actually remember?” Here are a few practical tips:
1. Use Passphrases
Instead of a single word, use a string of random words or a sentence. For example, BlueKangarooRunsFast@Sunset. It’s long, hard to guess and easier to remember than a jumble of random characters.
2. Avoid Personal Information
Never use names, birthdays, pets or favourite footy teams. These are things people can easily find out — especially if you’re on social media.
3. Don’t Reuse Passwords
Reusing passwords is one of the biggest risks we see. If one site gets breached, hackers often try the same details on other platforms (a technique called credential stuffing). One breach can become five — or fifty.
4. Use a Password Manager
It’s impossible to remember 30 different complex passwords. That’s where password managers come in. Tools like LastPass, Bitwarden or 1Password let you create and store strong, unique passwords for every account. You only need to remember one master password (make sure that one’s a ripper).
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) — Your Password’s Best Mate
Even with strong passwords, things can still go pear-shaped. That’s why we always recommend enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible. It adds a second layer of protection — usually a code sent to your phone or an app.
Think of it as a second lock on the door. If someone guesses your password, they still need your phone or fingerprint to get in. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect against account compromise.
Training Your Team — The Human Firewall
Your staff are your first line of defence. But they’re also one of the biggest risks if they’re not trained properly. We’ve seen businesses fall victim to phishing scams where employees unknowingly gave away their login details.
Regular cybersecurity training helps your team spot dodgy links and suspicious behaviour. Start with basics like password hygiene and expand from there. We’ve covered this in more detail in our post on turning cybersecurity awareness into action.
What About Passwordless Authentication?
You might’ve heard of passwordless logins — using biometrics or passkeys instead of traditional passwords. It’s an exciting space and can improve both security and convenience. But it’s not a silver bullet and isn’t ideal for every business just yet. If you’re curious, check out our guide on whether passwordless authentication is safe.
Review Your Current Practices
If you’re not sure where your business stands, now’s a great time to do a quick audit:
- Do staff use password managers?
- Is MFA enabled on all business-critical systems?
- Are passwords changed regularly (at least every 6–12 months)?
- Have you reviewed your cybersecurity policies lately?
If the answer to any of these is “no,” we’re here to help. Our team can provide a cybersecurity risk assessment and help you strengthen your defences.
Wrapping Up
Strong passwords aren’t just a box to tick — they’re a small action that can make a massive difference. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can make password security one less thing to worry about.
If you’d like help setting up password managers, rolling out MFA or delivering staff training, get in touch with Gray Area Consulting. We’ll help you lock things down properly — no worries.
