Although multi-factor authentication and the like vastly reduces the overall risk, the reusing of passwords is a dagger straight through the heart of security.
A great cyber security firm (@Checkpoint) re-posted a finding on the most frequently used passwords. It was not a nice picture.
The standard "Password1", superhero names and keyboard patterns were prominent. Also, "I Love God," "I Love Porn," and "I Love Myself" made the list.
Users, a plea from the world cyber nerds…stop it. Here’s an example of why in a nutshell.
Business A: Spends millions on security, a cloud-based financial budgeting solution. You add your email address and create a password to access their application, using "Superman1."
Business B: An internet swimsuit store with a 30% off sale, requiring a password to grab that oh-so-fabulous black and blue trunk/t-shirt set with side pocket & Salt Life icon, sends you a password creation link.
You enter...
"Superman1"
'HackerDude014' gets into Business B in all of 12 seconds and obtains the same password and same email. Uh-oh. This adds more pressure on the controls in Business A and potentially compromises you.
Users, the morale of this cyber story?
It’s okay if Superman loves God, Porn, and himself. Don’t tell the internet, and please don't reuse the same bad passwords.
Geek Disclaimer: Yes, if Business A spent millions on cyber security, this probably isn’t an issue.
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