In today’s digital-first world, keeping your accounts secure with strong and unique passwords is essential. However, there's a common problem: how can you manage hundreds of unique passwords without losing track?

The average person has around 100 online accounts, ranging from banking and shopping to social media and utilities. Remembering strong, unique passwords for all these accounts is daunting, leading many to fall into bad habits like reusing passwords, choosing weak ones, or even jotting them down on post-its or in physical notebooks.

While these methods might seem convenient, they introduce significant security risks. Reusing passwords in particular opens the door for cybercriminals. If one account is compromised, it could expose others that use the same credentials. But how do you balance security and convenience?

That’s where password managers come in.

The Case for Password Managers

Password managers securely store your login credentials and generate complex passwords as needed. Unlike saving passwords in your browser—a risky practice—password managers offer a safe and efficient way to manage passwords.

Consider these alarming facts:

• Weak passwords are a leading cause of data breaches.

• Nearly 60% of small and medium-sized businesses lack robust password policies.

• Two-thirds of employees reuse passwords across multiple accounts.

Even if your business uses strong passwords, external breaches can still expose your credentials. For example, if a company you trust is hacked, your login information might end up for sale on the dark web.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web refers to encrypted websites accessible only through specialized browsers like Tor. These sites aren’t indexed by standard search engines and often host illegal activities, such as selling stolen data, drugs, or weapons. However, they’re also used for anonymous communication, which can include sharing sensitive or whistleblowing information.

A robust password manager does more than generate and store passwords. It can monitor the dark web for compromised credentials linked to your accounts, alerting you in real-time so you can take proactive steps to secure your data.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Here’s how to improve password hygiene for yourself and your business:

1. IT’s Not Safe

Stop storing passwords in your web browser. Credentials saved in browsers can often be exported in plain text, making them accessible to cybercriminals or anyone with unauthorized access to your device.

2. IT’s Not Your Fault

Data breaches can happen to any organization, and your credentials may be exposed through no fault of your own. If your password is found on the dark web, act immediately to change it and secure any accounts where it was used.

3. IT’s Manageable

Invest in a centrally managed password manager for your business. With a password manager:

• Generate and store complex, unique passwords for all accounts.

• Employees only need to remember one master password.

• Use built-in reporting features to identify vulnerabilities and take proactive measures.

Protect Your Business with a Password Manager

Password security doesn’t have to be a headache. With a centrally managed password manager, you can empower your team to maintain strong, unique passwords while minimizing risk. Stay ahead of cyber threats, safeguard your business, and simplify your digital life.

Take the first step today—your data security depends on it!