Your password habits could be a major cybersecurity risk

Let’s talk about passwords, those little strings of characters that stand between your data and the big bad internet. If you’re anything like the average user, there’s a good chance you’ve reused one password across multiple accounts, gone months (or years) without updating it, or picked something that’s, well … not exactly hacker-proof. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

According to a NordPass study, South Africans commonly use simple passwords like “123456”, “password”, and “qwerty123”. Many of these follow worrying global trends and what’s worse, NordPass says 78% of the world’s most common passwords can be cracked in less than a second. In an era of constant online security risks, that’s a serious problem.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month rolls around, it’s the perfect time to rethink how you treat your passwords, not just as digital gatekeepers, but as the first (and sometimes only) line of defence against data breaches, account takeovers, and identity theft.

The problem with weak passwords

Using a weak password is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to cybersecurity. Think of it as leaving your office keys under the doormat, it doesn’t take much effort for someone to find them and walk right in. Hackers use automated programs that can test millions of common passwords in seconds, meaning simple options won’t stand a chance. Once a criminal cracks your password, the fallout can be serious: they may gain access to client records, financial details, and even your entire email system. From there, they could launch phishing attacks that appear to come from you, spread malware, or lock you out of your own systems using ransomware. 

And because many people reuse the same password across multiple accounts, a single weak login can open the door to a chain of breaches across different platforms. For property practitioners, that could mean compromised client data, missed opportunities, and a serious hit to your reputation.

Password security tips that actually work

So, what does a secure login practice actually look like? It’s not just about being clever with your combinations; it’s about building a password system that’s strong, reliable, and sustainable.

Here are a few password security tips to keep your business (and sanity) intact:

Go long and random: A good password is at least 12 characters long and uses a mix of letters, numbers, and special symbols. The more unpredictable, the better.

Avoid real words or patterns: Hackers use dictionary attacks and pattern recognition. So “Summer2024!” might feel strong, but it’s actually very guessable.

Use passphrases: Think: “BlueElephant!Danced77OnMars” — long, memorable, and not something a brute force tool will guess in a few minutes.

Change passwords regularly: Especially for accounts tied to finances, client data, or admin access. Set reminders if needed.

Don’t write passwords down, especially not in plain text: That note in your drawer or saved “passwords” file on your desktop? Not secure.

If all of this sounds overwhelming, don’t stress because that’s what password managers are for.

Why a password manager is your best friend

A good password manager securely stores all your logins in one encrypted vault and can auto-generate strong passwords for every new account. You only need to remember one master password.

Bonus: they’re great for teams. If you run a real estate office, you can securely share access to tools and platforms without handing over raw passwords. No more asking “what’s the Wi-Fi password again?” or having to scroll through a Google Doc full of login details.

Popular tools like 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane offer both personal and business plans, and are far more secure than relying on memory or your browser’s built-in suggestions.

The rise of passkeys and biometrics

While strong passwords are still essential, the future of authentication is shifting. Tech giants like Apple and Google are already pushing us toward passwordless login experiences, thanks to passkeys and biometric verification (think facial recognition or fingerprint ID).

So what’s the deal with passkeys?

Passkeys use cryptographic keys stored on your device to log you into apps and sites, with no typing required. They’re phishing-resistant and nearly impossible to intercept. They’re also easier for users and more secure for businesses.

If you're a real estate agency looking to future-proof your tech, now’s a good time to explore tools that support biometric logins and passkey compatibility. These secure login practices reduce the risk of password fatigue and help keep your digital perimeter tight.

Passwords are the low-hanging fruit of cybercrime

Here’s the thing: data breaches don’t always happen because someone hacked into your system like in the movies. More often than not, it starts with something simple, such as a weak password, reused credentials, or a login that never got updated.

Risky online behaviours like these are completely avoidable, and as digital systems become more connected, the stakes are only going to rise. Strong password habits aren’t just for IT departments anymore; they’re for everyone, especially in industries like real estate, where trust is everything.

Ready to level up your cybersecurity game?

Prop Data understands that protecting your digital assets starts with the basics, and that includes how you handle your logins. Whether you’re looking to integrate secure systems, manage user access across platforms, or just educate your team on cybersecurity compliance, Prop Data has your back. Connect with Prop Data today and take the first step toward smarter, safer real estate tech.