Executive summary
Strong passwords and a reliable password manager break the cycle of reuse and weak credentials. Combine unique, long passphrases with MFA and secure sharing to reduce account takeover risk for every role—from founders to finance and engineering.
Why password security still fails
- People reuse passwords across personal and business apps.
- Short, guessable patterns are easy to crack with modern GPUs.
- Phishing bypasses memorable words; MFA is missing or inconsistent.
- Shared accounts circulate in chat tools without rotation or logging.
Building strong passwords
Use 14+ character passphrases or random strings. Avoid patterns, reuse, and personal references. Rotate any password that appears in a breach or dark web list. Pair every admin or finance account with MFA and device checks when possible.
Do
- Use a manager to generate 20+ character random passwords.
- Enable MFA (app or hardware key) everywhere it is offered.
- Use role-based vaults for shared credentials.
- Review breach alerts and rotate exposed credentials immediately.
Avoid
- Reusing passwords across SaaS tools.
- Storing credentials in spreadsheets or chat.
- Relying on SMS MFA for high-risk accounts.
- Keeping default admin passwords on devices or routers.
Choosing a password manager for business
- Zero-knowledge encryption with strong client-side crypto.
- MFA support and enforced policies for all users.
- Shared vaults with granular permissions and audit logs.
- SCIM or directory sync for fast onboarding/offboarding.
- Recovery mechanisms that balance usability and security.
- Secrets sharing without revealing the raw secret in plaintext.
Operational playbook for teams
Create vaults by function (engineering, marketing, finance). Require MFA and device trust for admin vaults. Enforce rotation when people change roles or leave. Monitor access logs for anomalous downloads or bulk exports.
Access policies
- Least privilege per vault; no shared master accounts.
- MFA mandatory; hardware keys for admins.
- Quarterly access reviews tied to HR changes.
Incident response
- Revoke sessions and rotate credentials after phishing alerts.
- Audit logs for exports; disable compromised accounts fast.
- Force master password change if device compromise is suspected.
How SecurityScore.me helps
SecurityScore.me detects leaked credentials, ties them to your domains, and guides rotation steps. Our breach check shows where your email appears; the dashboard tracks next steps and exposed services that could allow credential stuffing.
Conclusion: key takeaways
- Unique, long passwords plus MFA stop most account takeover attempts.
- Password managers reduce reuse, enable secure sharing, and provide audit logs.
- Enforce policies with vault structure, role-based access, and regular rotation.
FAQ
What makes a strong password?
At least 14 characters with a mix of words or random characters, unique per account, stored in a password manager, and protected by MFA.
Why use a password manager?
Managers generate, store, and autofill unique passwords, reducing reuse and phishing risk. They also enable secure sharing without revealing the secret.
Should I enable MFA if I use a password manager?
Yes. MFA protects against phishing and stolen passwords. Use app-based or hardware keys; avoid SMS when possible.
How do I handle shared accounts securely?
Use group vaults with role-based access. Share items without revealing the raw password. Rotate credentials when people leave or roles change.
What if my master password is compromised?
Immediately rotate the master password, revoke active sessions, enable or enforce MFA, and review vault access logs for suspicious activity.