3 min read | Mar 25, 2019
Keeping Default Passwords are Hackers’ Favorite Gifts
Imagine: It’s your new employee’s first day at your company, and you hand them over their new computer and email login. In the hustle and bustle of starting their job, they forget to change the default passwords that came along with the device.
In a matter of days, their email has been hacked, causing a breach of sensitive company information. What do you do?
Unfortunately, this hypothetical is a reality for too many business owners. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, our password security experts put together an extensive guide for protecting (and educating) your business. Read below to learn more.
What are default passwords?
Default passwords are pre-configured passwords to allow access to devices. These passwords are typically issued by the device itself, but sometimes can be provided by the company that you work for. Default passwords are only intended to act as placeholders rather than a long-term password option.
Systems that typically have default passwords
Any system that needs authentication on the internet has a default password, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The most common systems that use default passwords are:
- Computers
- Wi-Fi Routers
- Time Tracker Programs
- Project Management Programs
- Windows
3 Reasons Why It’s Important To Change Your Default Passwords
1. Protecting Your Company’s Data
Manufacturers usually create default passwords the same way each time, which makes them easier for hackers to crack. In one keyboard click, an average hacker could bypass the password security barrier and enter your system – instantly gaining access to sensitive company information. Changing your default password can thwart cybercriminals because the password is unique to you.
2. Protecting Your Personal Information
One door for a cybercriminal typically leads to many. If a hacker breaches your email, they can easily move on to other accounts synced with your email software, including social media profiles, bank accounts and other private information. Updating your email password regularly can seal off not just your inbox, but other information living elsewhere on the world wide web.
3. Ease of Remembrance
Default passwords can be a series of numbers and letters that are difficult to memorize. A strong phrase password that’s personal to you will be easier to remember.
Passwords: Your First Line of Defense
When it comes to the war against hackers, passwords are your first line of defense. Miss one default password change and you could have a massive data breach on your hands. So take the time to make sure your passwords – and your employees’ passwords – are up to date. For more information about creating strong passwords, click here.
Ask us a question about Default Passwords
If you want to learn more about how to secure your data with strong passwords or would like to schedule a free onsite password security training, do not hesitate to contact the IT experts at Benton Tech today!