The Growing Cyber Security Challenge for Small Businesses

Cyber security is no longer a concern only for large corporations. In today’s world, small businesses face increasing threats from hackers and cybercriminals. These businesses often do not have the same resources or protections as larger organizations. As a result, they are likelier to suffer from attacks.

While firewalls and antivirus software are important, poor password practices are still one of the weakest links. In fact, 81 percent of company data breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords. That is a staggering number and one that small business owners should take seriously.

However, there is a practical solution. Password managers and secure password generation tools offer small businesses the protection they need. They make strong password practices easier to set up and be consistent with. More critically, they help reduce human error.

Poor Password Hygiene Increases Risks for Small Businesses

Small businesses often deal with limited staff and resources. It is common to reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Employees sometimes also share login details without thinking twice. This casual approach is dangerous.

Reused passwords are a hacker’s dream. If one account is breached, others can quickly follow. Many teams still email or text passwords, creating more chances for data to be exposed. This is risky behavior that opens the door to cyber attacks.

According to the Bank of North Dakota, 81 percent of company data breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords. This number emphasizes how important it is to change your approach. The good news is that better password hygiene is possible and easier than most realize.

Why Small Businesses Should Be Using Password Generators

Creating strong, unique passwords for every account is essential. That is where password generators come in.

A password generator produces strong, random passwords that are nearly impossible to guess. These passwords typically use a mix of characters, numbers, and symbols. Because they are not based on dictionary words or personal details, they are harder to crack.

RoboForm’s Password Generator also includes a passphrase generator. A passphrase is a short sentence or a group of random words. For example, “TigerSunsetCoffeeBoat” is easy to remember but tough for anyone to crack. This method gives you a strong password that still sticks in your mind.

Using a password generator for each of your accounts reduces the chances of being hacked. Even if hackers gain access to one account, they can’t easily access others. Every password is different and complex. This layer of defense can make a big difference for small businesses.

Many password managers include built-in password generators. This means employees do not have to think about creating strong passwords themselves. The tool handles it automatically.

Collaborate with Your Team Without Risk

Small teams often share accounts for business tools and services. Whether it’s a social media account or a shared application, the same login may be used by multiple people. That increases the risk when it comes to password security.

If passwords are sent via email or chat, they can be easily intercepted. These practices are not secure. Password managers reduce this risk by offering shared access in a secure way. No one needs to know the actual password to use the account.

Even for remote teams, shared password managers make access simple and safe. Each team member gets what they need without compromising security. Also, if someone leaves the company, access can be removed with just a few clicks.

With RoboForm’s password generation and secure sharing features, collaboration no longer puts your business at risk.

Protect Your Reputation and Customer Trust

Data breaches do more than cause technical problems. Breaches destroy customer trust. When a business leaks private information, customers are less inclined to return. They often share their experience with others. The damage can last for years.

Beyond customer trust, breaches directly impact revenue. You lose customers and face fines. Legal fees and downtime quickly add up. Not to mention the emotional toll on your team.

Employee morale can also take a hit. Working through a security breach is stressful. It can lead to burnout and anxiety. In some cases, employees are even be blamed for mistakes that could have been avoided through better security practices.

Preventing a breach is far easier than cleaning up after one. A password manager acts as your first line of defense. It helps you follow good security habits without extra effort..

Best Password Manager for Small Businesses

RoboForm stands out as a top solution for small businesses. It offers everything needed to secure employee accounts and simplify login management. Unlike generic tools, RoboForm is designed to support business teams. It’s also recognized as one of the best password managers for companies looking to improve security without adding complexity.

It allows secure sharing of login details. It provides control and visibility to password practices. It also simplifies onboarding and offboarding. That means employees get access fast, and former employees lose access instantly.

RoboForm reduces the burden on IT support. One of the biggest time sinks for IT teams is dealing with password resets. With RoboForm, employees can manage their own login details safely. That frees up time for IT to focus on bigger projects. It’s secure, user-friendly, and built for growth.

Conclusion

Cyber threats are not going away. Small businesses must take action now to protect their systems, their customers, and their future.

Weak passwords are a serious liability. They are the cause of most breaches. But password managers offer an easy fix. They help businesses create strong passwords, manage them safely, and share them securely. They also reduce the need for IT involvement, saving time and money.

Every employee plays a role in keeping your business safe. With a password manager like RoboForm, that responsibility becomes much easier to manage.

We encourage small business owners to try RoboForm for peace of mind. Experience the benefits yourself with a free trial by visiting RoboForm for Business.

The sooner you take action, the sooner your business is protected.

Posted by Simon Davis

Simon Davis is the VP of Marketing for RoboForm.