Poor passwords still putting UK firms at risk

Britons are still failing to protect online accounts from hackers with complex passwords, creating what could be a costly vulnerability for business, a study shows.

From a hacker perspective, many organisations are still leaving the front door open and the windows unlocked. Failure to protect and handle data correctly can also result in punitive actions for companies participating in the digital economy. Wake up and get the knowledge to get protected.

A survey by independent research agency Atomik Research found that nearly a quarter of more than 1,000 UK residents routinely use their name and data of birth as online passwords.

One in 10 respondents also admitted using just one or two different passwords for their online activities, according to the survey commissioned by Cyber Security Europe.

As a result, many are putting their personal and employers’ data at huge risk of being hacked due to the simplicity and low number of passwords they use.

Of particular concern to business is the finding that 60% of respondents admitted using only logins and passwords as their online security in their workplace.

In addition, despite a spate of high profile attacks, only 16% of respondents believe that cyber security had become more of a focus in the workplace since the WannaCry ransomware attacks in May 2017.

Furthermore, 76% of respondents admitted that they have never updated their security details following a big data breach.

With the advent of the internet of things (IoT), the increasing number of people using their personal devices to connect to business networks presents and ever-growing threat.

“This could prove a costly vulnerability for organisations after the compliance deadline for the EU General Data Protection Regulation.