By Jon Joyner | Cybersecurity Practice Leader
February 1st is National Change Your Password Day. It serves as a reminder that one of the simplest cybersecurity habits is also one of the most important.
Passwords are often the first line of defense between your sensitive information and cybercriminals. At the same time, they remain one of the most common weak points. Reused passwords, outdated credentials, and overly simple combinations continue to be a leading cause of data breaches for both individuals and businesses.
From a cybersecurity perspective, changing your passwords regularly is not about inconvenience. It is about reducing risk. If a password is compromised in a data breach you are unaware of, continuing to use it gives attackers ongoing access. Updating passwords on a routine basis limits how long stolen credentials can be exploited and helps reduce overall exposure.
Strong password hygiene goes beyond changing passwords once a year. Best practices include:
- Using unique passwords for every system and application
- Creating long and complex passwords or passphrases
- Enabling multi factor authentication wherever possible
- Avoiding shared or written down credentials
- Using a reputable password manager to securely store and generate passwords
For businesses, password management is a foundational component of a broader cybersecurity strategy. One weak password can create an entry point into an entire network, putting client data, financial information, and operational systems at risk. Regular password updates, combined with employee training and system monitoring, help create multiple layers of protection.
National Change Your Password Day is a good opportunity to pause and take action. Review the systems you use most often such as email, remote access tools, accounting platforms, cloud storage, and internal applications and make sure your credentials are up to date and secure.
Cybersecurity does not always require complex solutions. Sometimes meaningful protection starts with small, intentional steps. Changing your password is one of those steps and it is a habit worth reinforcing.
If you have questions about password best practices, multi factor authentication, or strengthening your organization’s overall cybersecurity posture, our team is here to help.