🔐 How to Create Secure Passwords (Without Going Mad)

Let’s be honest - passwords can be a pain. But weak ones are one of the biggest security risks to your business.

❗ Why are passwords such a big deal?

Because cyber criminals are getting smarter by the day. All it takes is one cracked password, and they could access:
💼 Your sensitive business data
💳 Financial information
🖥️ Entire systems

They use clever automated tools that can guess millions of passwords in seconds. So if you're using “Password123” or “CompanyName2025”, you're practically leaving the door wide open 🧨

🧠 The real damage a weak password can cause:

• Data breaches

• Financial loss

• Identity theft

• Damage to your reputation

🧪 What makes a strong password?

Think of your password like a secret recipe 🍲 — only you should know the ingredients.

It should be:
✅ At least 14 characters long
✅ A mix of upper and lowercase letters
✅ Include numbers and symbols (like @, %, £, or &)
✅ No obvious info — no names, birthdays or the word “password”!

Try using a passphrase instead of just a word.
Example:
❌ “Sailing2025”
✅ “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!”

Much harder to crack, but still easy to remember 💡

🚫 Common password mistakes to avoid:

• Using personal info (names, birthdays, business name)

• Reusing the same password on multiple accounts

• Simple sequences like “123456” or “abcdef”

• Writing passwords on sticky notes 🗒️ (yes, people still do this)

🧰 Can’t remember loads of passwords?

That’s what password managers are for!

They:
🔐 Create super-strong passwords
📦 Store them securely
🧠 Autofill them when needed

You only need to remember one master password. The rest? Safe and encrypted.

🔑 Add an extra layer: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even the best passwords can be cracked. That’s why MFA is essential.

It’s a second step - like a code sent to your phone or an app - that adds extra protection. So even if someone guesses your password, they still can't get in 🔒

🏢 Got a team? You need a password policy.

Make sure everyone’s on the same page by having rules like:
🆕 Unique passwords for each system
🎓 Regular training on password safety
📲 MFA on all critical accounts
🕵️‍♂️ Regular checks for compromised passwords

👇 Ready to lock things down?

Strong passwords are your first line of defence. If you want help training your team, setting up a password manager, or tightening up security, we’ve got you covered.

📞 Call us on 0800 112 6789
📧 Email ashley@adkinsio.co.uk
👉 Or get in touch today - and let’s make your business harder to hack.