Clark: Strengthen your security with effective password management

Just as I started to write this article, an alert appeared in my email regarding a massive data leak of more than 184 million “unique logins and passwords to popular websites and apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.” Logins to Google, Microsoft, and even some bank accounts were also compromised.

Lately, many companies have been focused on newer attacks like phishing emails and AI-generated scams. But we may have forgotten that the greatest vulnerability is still our passwords. They remain the easiest point of entry for hackers, especially when users fall into bad habits.

During a recent NationaLease meeting, Russ Abdrakhmanov, founding leader of neKey Cybersecurity, delivered a comprehensive presentation on navigating cyber threats. Among the issues he highlighted was a widespread and dangerous pattern of what could be termed “password complacency.” Most of us reuse passwords across multiple accounts or make only slight changes to existing ones, assuming it's enough to stay safe. It's not.

Let’s be honest—changing and remembering passwords is frustrating. But with so many accounts and platforms in daily use, password discipline has become a necessity. And the tools we need already exist. Tools like password managers can relieve the burden of remembering every single password and username. Best of all, it will significantly improve your security.

The power of password managers

A password manager is an application, available for desktops and mobile devices, that creates and stores strong and random passwords for every site or app you use. These complex passwords are stored in an encrypted vault that you access with one strong master password. With just a few clicks, it can autofill your login credentials, saving time while dramatically increasing your online security.

See also: Cyber threats: Addressing the problem through prevention and a playbook

Best practices for businesses

When it comes to protecting sensitive business data, implementing robust password management practices is crucial:

1. Sign up for a business edition of password management apps. Business-grade password managers offer centralized control, allowing IT departments to manage employee access, monitor usage, and enforce security policies. These versions often include advanced features such as two-factor authentication, audit trails, and user provisioning/de-provisioning—all critical for maintaining control over a growing digital footprint.
2. Establish and enforce internal procedures. Without consistent policies, employees may default to insecure methods like sticky notes or browser-saved logins. Formalize a company-wide policy that mandates use of the password manager for all work-related logins and ensure team members are trained on its use. Establish role-based access to ensure sensitive information is only available to those who truly need it.
3. Audit your network and cloud storage. Many organizations still rely on spreadsheets to store shared credentials, which are vulnerable to accidental sharing or malicious access. Conduct a full audit to find and delete any such documents, and migrate their contents into the password manager. This step alone can close a major security gap in your organization.

Best practices for personal use

For individuals looking to secure their personal accounts and data:

1. Generate unique passwords. Using the same password—or even similar ones—for multiple sites creates a domino effect. If one site is compromised, every other account with that password is suddenly vulnerable. A password manager makes it easy to create and store unique credentials, dramatically improving your defenses.
2. Review and update older accounts. Many people have been using the same few passwords for years. Take time to audit your accounts—especially older or infrequently used ones—and replace weak or reused passwords with strong, random alternatives. Even if you don’t use an account often, a hacker can still use it to negatively impact your digital life.
3. Back up your password manager and enable multi-device syncing. Even with a password manager app, the reality is that sometimes technology fails, or devices are lost or damaged. Be sure your password vault is synced across at least two devices (for example, your phone and computer), and look for a password manager that offers secure cloud backup. That way, you’ll never be locked out of your accounts if something goes wrong.

Take action before a breach  

Strong password hygiene is one of the most effective defenses you can implement—whether you're protecting personal data or an entire organization. A password manager isn't just a convenience; it’s a critical tool for securing today’s digital lives. Take the time to update your practices, implement the right tools, and stay a step ahead of potential threats. Protect what matters most—your data.