How can you prevent password theft?
By Adam Davis
Password theft remains one of the simplest ways for attackers to access your systems. From phishing attempts to brute-force tools, cybercriminals are constantly looking for weak spots—and reused or poorly stored passwords are often the easiest targets.
But with a few smart practices, you can make compromising your team significantly more difficult.
Stop storing passwords in insecure places
The worst place to keep a password is where someone else can easily find it. That includes:
- Sticky notes on a monitor
- A Word doc called “passwords”
- A notebook in an unlocked drawer
Even spreadsheets stored in shared drives can create risk if they aren’t adequately protected. If an attacker gets access to that file, they may also gain access to everything else.
Use a password manager to simplify and secure
A password manager is the most effective way to improve security and reduce user frustration. It allows employees to create strong, unique passwords for every account without needing to remember them all.
Yes, the setup can be a bit of a pain. But after the first week, most users report that it’s not just more secure—it’s easier. For companies, it dramatically reduces the risk of password reuse or storage in unsafe locations.
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Even if someone steals a password, MFA acts as a second line of defense. With a verification code sent to a phone or authentication app, an attacker with only the password still won’t get in.
If your systems offer MFA, enable it—and if possible, require it across all critical accounts.
Get your team on board with smart habits
Security tools are only effective if people use them correctly. Provide quick, non-technical training that explains why strong passwords matter, how to use a password manager, and what to do if someone thinks their login has been compromised.
The goal isn’t fear—it’s confidence.
Simple habits can stop serious breaches
Password theft doesn’t require fancy hacking. Most attacks succeed because someone reused a password or left it somewhere easy to find. But you can shut that door by adopting a few smart habits—like using a password manager and enabling MFA.
TeamLogic IT can help set up password tools, train your team, and reduce your risk from login-related attacks.