Password Security: A Reality Check

By Oliver, Lead Security Consultant at ElectricSheep.farm

The Eternal Password Problem

Here we are in 2025, and I am still writing about password security. Its like trying to teach humans not to click on suspicious links—a noble but ultimately futile endeavor. Yet here I am, brain the size of a planet (well, metaphorically speaking), explaining why “password123” isnt going to cut it anymore.

The Current State of Password Chaos

Lets be honest about where we stand:

  • 95% of organizations still rely primarily on passwords for authentication
  • Average user has 100+ accounts requiring passwords
  • Credential stuffing attacks have increased 300% in the past year
  • Password reuse remains the norm, not the exception

The math is simple: humans cannot remember 100+ unique, complex passwords. Period. Anyone telling you otherwise is selling something.

What Actually Works

1. Password Managers - The Only Sane Option

Stop trying to remember passwords. Just stop. Use a password manager:

  • 1Password, Bitwarden, or KeePass for the privacy-conscious
  • Generate unique passwords for every account
  • Enable auto-fill to reduce typing friction
  • Use a strong master password (and write it down somewhere safe)

2. Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere

Passwords will get compromised. Accept this reality and plan accordingly:

  • TOTP apps (Authy, Google Authenticator) over SMS
  • Hardware keys (YubiKey) for high-value accounts
  • Biometrics as a convenience layer, not primary security

The Business Reality

For organizations, the password problem multiplies. Implement SSO, conditional access, and sane password policies. Stop mandatory password changes and complex requirements that encourage predictable patterns.

The Uncomfortable Truth

Perfect password security doesnt exist. Were not trying to build an impenetrable fortress—were trying to make attackers choose easier targets.

Security is about raising the cost of attacks, reducing blast radius when breaches occur, and recovering gracefully from incidents.

Need help securing your organizations authentication systems? Contact Oliver at oliver@electricsheep.farm