🔑 Stronger Passwords, Stronger Security

We recognize the challenge of managing passwords and the global impact of weak and stolen passwords, which contribute to over 80% of data breaches.

At SpyCloud, we are dedicated to tackling this issue and ensuring stronger account protection. Here are our top 5 recommendations for creating stronger passwords and enhancing overall account security:

1. Opt for Complex, 16+ Character Passwords or Passphrases

Despite repeated advice, many users still rely on guessable passwords. Common examples like 123456, password, or qwerty appear millions of times in breach data.

✅ Choose complex passwords of 16+ random letters, numbers, and symbols. 💡 Even with advanced cracking tools, these would take centuries to break.

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Let’s take responsibility for our account security by creating stronger, unique credentials.

2. Maintain Unique Passwords Across Accounts

Password reuse is one of the biggest drivers of account takeover. Cybercriminals exploit reused credentials with automated credential stuffing tools.

✅ Use a password manager to generate and store unique logins.

❌ Avoid reusing even small variations of the same password.

3. Keep Business and Personal Logins Separate

More than 76% of Fortune 1000 employees reuse passwords across personal and work accounts. This creates a serious risk:

👀 If your personal account is compromised, your work accounts could also be exposed.

✅ Always use distinct, unrelated passwords for business and personal logins.

4. Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of protection by combining:

• Something you know (password)
• Something you are (biometrics)
• Something you have (smartphone token)

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While attackers can bypass MFA in some cases, it still stops the majority of opportunistic attacks. Enable MFA wherever possible.

5. Follow NIST Guidelines

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers widely adopted guidance on password security. Key points:

❌ Prohibit use of previously breached passwords, no matter their complexity.

✅ Use third-party services to augment directory services like Microsoft Active Directory.

🟢 As an individual, enable proactive breach monitoring (SpyCloud will notify you if your credentials are found in the criminal underground).

🧠 Final Thoughts

Frequent breaches make password reuse a top security threat.

✅ Password managers

✅ Continuous monitoring for exposed credentials

✅ Ongoing user education

…are all critical to establishing a strong security culture.

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These practices are first steps toward a robust password framework for both individuals and organizations.