LastPass Psychology of Passwords Report Highlights Password Behavior Unchanged Even as Cyber Threats Rise
May 01 2018 - 9:00AM
LastPass by LogMeIn, a leader in password management, today
released findings of a new global survey, “Psychology of Passwords:
Neglect is Helping Hackers Win,” revealing that despite today’s
increased threat landscape and heightened global awareness of
hacking and data breaches, password behaviors remain largely
unchanged. Data from the survey shows that 91 percent of people
know that using the same password for multiple accounts is a
security risk, yet 59 percent continue to use the same password. As
a result, individuals’ behavior in creating, changing and managing
passwords in both their professional and personal lives is slow to
match the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats.
The global survey, which polled 2,000 individuals across the
United States, Australia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom,
provides evidence that increased knowledge of security best
practices doesn’t necessarily translate into better password
management, and highlights regional, generational and personality
differences can factor into password security.
Key findings include:
- Global Cyber Threats Skyrocket but Password Behaviors
UnchangedPassword behaviors remain largely unchanged from
the same study conducted two years ago — translating to some risky
behaviors. 53 percent report not changing passwords in the past 12
months despite a breach in the news. And while 91 percent know that
using the same password for multiple accounts is a security risk,
59 percent mostly or always use the same password.
- Fear of Forgetfulness = Number One Reason for Password
ReuseNot only do most respondents (59 percent) use the
same password for multiple accounts, but many continue to use that
password as long as possible — until required by IT to update or if
impacted by a security incident. The fear of forgetfulness was the
number one reason for reuse (61 percent), followed by wanting to
know and be in control of all of their passwords (50
percent).
- Attention IT: Password Behaviors Same at Work and
HomeThe majority of respondents (79 percent) report having
between one and 20 online accounts for work and personal use. When
it comes to password creation, nearly half (47 percent) say there
is no difference in passwords created for these accounts. Only 19
percent create more secure passwords for work and 38 percent never
reuse the same password between work and personal, which means that
62 percent do.
- Type A Personalities Take Passwords More
SeriouslyBad password behavior in Type A personalities
stems from their need to be in control, whereas Type B
personalities have a casual, laid-back attitude toward password
security. Respondents who identify as Type A personalities are more
likely than Type B personalities to stay on top of password
security: 77 percent put a lot of thought into password creation,
compared to 67 percent of Type B. And Type A users consider
themselves informed about password best practices (76 percent) over
Type B users (68 percent).
- Security-conscious Thinking Doesn’t Translate to
ActionThe data showed several contradictions, with
respondents saying one thing and in turn, doing another. 72 percent
say they feel informed on password best practices, but 64 percent
of those say having a password that’s easy to remember is most
important. Similarly, 91 percent recognize that using the same or
similar passwords for multiple logins is a security risk, yet 58
percent mostly or always use the same password or variation of the
same password.
“The cyber threats facing consumers and businesses are becoming
more targeted and successful, yet there remains a clear disconnect
in users’ password beliefs and their willingness to take action,”
said Sandor Palfy, Chief Technology Officer of Identity and Access
Management at LogMeIn. “Individuals seem to understand password
best practices, but often exhibit password behaviors that can
expose their information to threat actors. Taking a few simple
steps to improve how you manage passwords can lead to increased
safety for online accounts whether personal or
professional.”
Resources
- eBook: https://www.lastpass.com/psychology-of-passwords
- Infographic:
https://www.lastpass.com/psychology-of-passwords-infographic
- Blog
post: https://blog.lastpass.com/2018/05/psychology-of-passwords-neglect-is-helping-hackers-win.html/
Survey Methodology
The Psychology of Passwords survey was commissioned by LastPass
and fielded by independent panel research firm Lab42
from February 8-21, 2018. The responses were generated from a
survey of 2,000 adults, ages 25 to 60 who have at least one online
account. Survey respondents represented the United States, Germany,
France, Australia and the United Kingdom. Where possible, results
were compared with the 2016 Psychology of Passwords survey
commissioned by LastPass.
About LastPass LastPass is an award-winning
password manager helping millions organize and protect their online
lives, at home and at work. For businesses of all sizes, LastPass
provides secure password storage and centralized admin oversight to
reduce the risk of data breaches and remove password obstacles for
employees. With customizable policies, secure password sharing, and
comprehensive user management, LastPass gives IT the tools to
strengthen password hygiene across the organization. For more
information, visit https://lastpass.com.
LastPass is a trademark of LogMeIn in the U.S. and other
countries.
About LogMeIn, Inc. LogMeIn,
Inc. (Nasdaq:LOGM) simplifies how people connect with each
other and the world around them to drive meaningful interactions,
deepen relationships, and create better outcomes for individuals
and businesses. One of the world’s top 10 public SaaS companies,
and a market leader in communication & conferencing, identity
& access, and customer engagement & support
solutions, LogMeIn has millions of customers spanning
virtually every country across the globe. LogMeIn is
headquartered in Boston with additional locations
in North
America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Media Contact: Lauren Van Dam
press@lastpass.com 781-897-1328
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