Fortify Your Accounts: 7 Password Security Tips Everyone Should Follow

It always starts like any other day, with a sense of calm and nothing on your mind but your to-do list.  

You’re scrolling through your notifications when suddenly, the headlines appear out of nowhere.  

The media environment soon becomes highly charged, and the news anchors wear sober expressions as they announce: Billions of passwords have been leaked in the largest breach in history.  

If you think you’re safe because your Netflix still works and you haven’t been locked out of your email, think again. Unless you recognize the real threat, you’re already at risk. 

But what does this mean? 

What is password security? (Why it matters more than ever) 

When the real risk is invisible and relentless, building a defense strong enough to keep you safe is critical.  

This is where password security comes in.  

At this point, you may think, “I know that already. I’ve heard it all before.” Password security is simply securing passwords from theft or unauthorized access.  

But here’s the cold, hard truth: In light of an infostealer epidemic and rising attacks against high-profile secrets vaults, the real meaning of password security has changed drastically. 

Password security today isn’t just about creating strong passwords or changing them when attacks happen. It's about understanding that threat actors have upgraded their tactics to steal not just passwords but entire digital lifelines. 

What they know – and most people don’t - is that the easiest way in is through the backdoors no one’s watching.  

The threat landscape has changed: Are you at risk? 

In the first half of 2025, 2.67 million machines were infected by infostealer malware.  

Meanwhile, more than 7 million passwords are leaked daily. 

That means 81 passwords per second. 

So, for every second you’re online, 81 passwords are exposed somewhere in the world. 

What makes infostealers so dangerous?  

The answer is: Infostealers don’t just target passwords; they go after everything stored on your device. This includes chat logs, credit card details, browser cookies, and PII (personally identifiable information). 

And infostealers aren’t the only danger. 

Zero-day attacks are allowing attackers to bypass server-side authentication controls that protect enterprise vaults. This provides unauthorized access to secrets like API keys, certificates, database credentials, and encryption keys.  

This means just ONE compromised password or login credential can put you in the crosshairs and jeopardize your entire life, personally and professionally. 

Understanding the threat is just the first step. 

But what does modern password security look like in the age of infostealers and Zero-day attacks? Read on to discover the mindset shift that’s critical to protecting your entire digital ecosystem, from personal accounts to your organization’s secrets vaults. 

The shortcut to compromise: When password security slips through the cracks 

Let’s face it. Password security is often an afterthought in modern living, where we’ve embraced a culture of constant busyness and productivity. 

However, being “on” all the time leads to information overload and feelings of overwhelm. 

As a result, password reuse is normalized as a default behavior, especially on streaming platforms. We rationalize, “It’s not my bank account, it’s just Netflix.” 

However, these accounts are often linked to payment methods, and if you reuse passwords across platforms, one breach gives hackers access to your entire digital profile.  

This includes your email addresses, billing info, and home IP address. 

Meanwhile, your viewing habits may reveal your interests, age range, values, political leanings, cultural background, and even household makeup.  

And if you’re at work, you aren’t just at risk for infostealers. As mentioned, attackers are targeting the centralized systems your organization may be relying on to protect business critical data.  

This brings us to an important question. 

What do hackers do with your information? 

Once hackers have a solid profile of you, here’s what they can do: 

• Open lines of credit in your name 

• Make withdrawals from your bank account 

• Sell your profile on the Dark Web 

• Target you with phishing attacks that feel personal and are difficult to resist  

• Impersonate you and ask your email and social media contacts for sensitive info 

• Use bots to breach more sensitive accounts with your stolen credentials 

And if you’re at work, here’s what can happen behind the scenes. Once attackers have bypassed authentication controls, they can: 

• Extract all infrastructure secrets (API keys, tokens, certificates) to access your organization’s databases, internal apps, and cloud services 

• Gain root level access, which gives them the ability to install backdoors for persistent access and exfiltrate data without detection 

• Delete unseal keys that enable root key decryption. This means the vault stays in a sealed state, blocking ALL access to secrets.  

If the unseal keys weren’t backed up or stored in other trusted locations, your organization only has two options, neither of which are palatable: pay a ransom to the attackers to regain access OR reinitialize the vault to create a new set of keys, which erases all previously stored secrets. 

 

Here’s what the headlines don’t tell you about any of the above: 

• In 2024 alone, 7 million+ logins from platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Disney+ were compromised, with Netflix accounting for the lion’s share.   

• In the same year, Cloudflare found that 41% of logins involved reused or compromised passwords. This means all these logins are at risk for account takeovers and identity theft. Yours could be one of them. 

• Despite the crackdown on password sharing among streaming platforms, nearly 50% of users under 30 are still using someone else’s password to watch their favorite shows.  

If someone is using your Netflix password, which violates the platform’s terms of use, they can potentially lock you out by changing your password. 

• Attackers are increasingly targeting enterprise secrets vaults, exploiting subtle flaws that have existed for decades, which are quietly embedded and easy to miss. 

Here’s what this means for you:  

Your data is only as safe as the defenses you put in place.  

Protecting your data is actually like guarding a castle.  

Caerphilly Castle in Wales is widely considered the strongest fort in the world. In medieval times, it was protected by watch towers, a moat, fortified gates that battering rams couldn’t breach, and multiple rings of imposing walls.  

Just as a medieval castle depended on the integration of all defensive layers, modern security depends on a multi-layered approach combining strong identity controls, top-tier encryption, industry-tested compliance, and expert security audits. 

That’s why a Secure by Design password manager like LastPass offers you features like Secure Notes, Dark Web Monitoring, SaaS app monitoring, and FIDO2 MFA. 

It’s what we call Secure Access at LastPass - and your peace of mind is the best part.  

If you’re ready to reap the benefits, we explore best practices for password security and how LastPass can protect your family and business in the digital age. 

What are the best practices for password security? 

Password security tips everyone should follow: Industry backed upgrades to protect what’s yours 

If you think sharing credentials at home and work shouldn’t be too difficult, you aren’t alone.  But every password or secret shared the wrong way is an invitation for endless frustration.   

Here’s what really works to lock down your digital profile with LastPass, built for the modern age of infostealers and Zero Day attacks: 

#1 Create strong passwords based on the newest CISA and NIST guidelines

You already know about the dangers of “password123.” Now, you can easily generate strong credentials according to the latest CISA and NIST rules with our customizable password generator. 

What this means for you: Each account becomes a fortified wall, keeping your digital life secure. 

#2 Use an industry-trusted password manager with quantum-safe encryption

You know the dangers of relying on memory or Post-it Notes. But knowing how to store your passwords securely is only half the battle. With LastPass, you get military-grade AES-256 encryption that remains resistant against quantum algorithms. 

What this means for you: Even with the threat of quantum computing, algorithms like Grover can only reduce the security level of AES-256 to AES-128. While this is a reduction, 128-bit security still holds strong and remains unbreakable for the foreseeable future. 

So, your passwords are safe and ready when needed. With LastPass, you can access them anytime, anywhere, and on any device of your choosing. 

#3 Enable FIDO2 multi factor authentication (MFA) where possible

With LastPass, you can add a second layer of protection with FIDO2 certified MFA like passkeys or hardware security keys. 

What this means for you: Since FIDO2 MFA is based on your unique biometrics or tied to your device, hackers can’t access your vault even if they manage to steal your master password.  

And by implementing FIDO2 MFA, you’re also adopting a cutting-edge standard for digital security that’s now required for all federal agencies. This means every login is secured with a cryptographic handshake that can only happen between you and the website you trust (and are using). 

#4 Control access with shared vaults and permissions

Whether for families or teams, LastPass allows you to decide exactly who can see what – and when access expires. 

What this means for you: With LastPass, you can share securely without exposing plaintext credentials, protecting you from accidental leaks. 

#5 It’s not if but when: Stay safe from phishing and social engineering attacks with smart autofill

Your passwords are the gateway to your digital profile. With LastPass, you get smart autofill that ONLY enters your credentials on legitimate sites. 

What this means for you: No matter how convincing the ruse, LastPass won’t enter your credentials on scam sites, even if you accidentally click a phishing link. 

#6 Protect your personal and professional life with Dark Web Monitoring, SaaS Protect, and SaaS app monitoring

Imagine your identity being protected even when you sleep. Whether you run a business, work for one, or simply want to keep your personal data safe, LastPass offers:  

• Dark Web Monitoring for businesses and consumers 

• SaaS app monitoring to eliminate shadow IT and SaaS sprawl at work 

• SaaS Protect to achieve real-time SaaS governance, audit-ready compliance, and SaaS cost optimization 

What this means for you: You get immediate alerts if your personal email accounts and business logins are exposed, giving you the power to act before criminals do. It’s security that works 24/7 on your behalf, whether you’re at home, work, or on vacation. 

#7 Use LastPass Secure Notes to keep sensitive information safe

Think about the sensitive pieces of information that make life possible. This includes your credit cards, Social Security number, insurance info, driver’s license, Medicaid/Medicare cards, passport information, or vaccine card. Losing any of these can put you at risk for identity theft. 

And if you’re at work, losing critical infrastructure secrets like API keys and key shares could cripple your business. 

With LastPass, you can store everything from login credentials to API keys safe in Secure Notes. Thanks to military-grade encryption and a Zero Knowledge model, your data will be unreadable to anyone but you.  

What this means for you: In a world where identity theft, infostealers, and Zero Day attacks are growing to alarming levels, this simple step of using Secure Notes ensures your info stays private. With strong encryption and FIDO2 MFA, your sensitive information is protected and always accessible. 

Related articles 

• The Dangers of Using Common Passwords

• What Makes a Master Password Strong

• How to Elevate Your Password Hygiene

At LastPass, your security is our #1 priority, and we want to give you a simple way to secure your digital life, completely free (no credit card required). So, don’t wait. Start your free trial today to enjoy the benefits of LastPass Secure Access. 

Type of account	Who it’s for	Free trial?
Premium	For personal use across devices	Yes, access it here
Families	For parents, kids, roommates, friends, and whoever else you call family (6 Premium accounts)	Yes, access it here
Teams	For your small business or startup	Yes, access it here
Business	For small or medium-sized businesses	Yes, access it here
Business Max	Advanced protection and secure access for any business	Yes, access it here

 

LastPass is great for keeping passwords and logins safe. All you need to remember is your actual LastPass login info and you don't have to worry about forgetting or losing it on a piece of paper. The mobile app and browser extension make it easy to have what you need. I use mine every single day (Candice H, verified G2 user).