The ongoing reliance on weak passwords by employees remains a critical security vulnerability in 2025. Despite awareness and policy efforts, many users continue to choose easily guessable or reused passwords, which attackers exploit through credential stuffing, phishing, and brute force attacks. To address this, organizations are increasingly moving towards Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions and passkey-based authentication. SSO allows users to authenticate once and gain access to multiple systems, reducing password fatigue and the likelihood of weak password use. Passkeys, which are cryptographic credentials stored on user devices, eliminate passwords altogether, providing phishing-resistant and more secure authentication. However, these technologies require careful implementation to avoid introducing new vulnerabilities, such as misconfigured identity providers or inadequate device security. The threat is not a direct exploit but rather the persistent risk posed by weak passwords that can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and lateral movement within networks. European organizations, especially those with large workforces and complex IT environments, are prime candidates for adopting these technologies to mitigate password-related risks. The medium severity rating reflects the significant impact weak passwords can have, balanced against the availability of effective mitigation strategies and the absence of active exploits targeting this issue.

For European organizations, the continued use of weak passwords exposes them to credential-based attacks, including phishing, credential stuffing, and brute force attempts. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential regulatory penalties under GDPR due to data breaches. The adoption of SSO and passkeys can substantially reduce these risks by minimizing password use and improving authentication security. However, improper implementation or management of SSO infrastructure could create new attack surfaces, such as identity provider compromise or token interception. Organizations in sectors with high-value data, such as finance, healthcare, and government, face heightened risks from password-related attacks. The transition to passwordless authentication also requires user training and robust endpoint security to prevent device compromise. Overall, the impact is significant but manageable with appropriate security investments and operational controls.

1. Accelerate the deployment of SSO solutions integrated with strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce password reliance. 2. Implement passkey-based or other passwordless authentication methods where supported, ensuring cryptographic credentials are securely stored and managed. 3. Harden identity provider configurations, including strict access controls, regular audits, and monitoring for suspicious activities. 4. Conduct comprehensive user training focused on the risks of weak passwords and the benefits of new authentication methods. 5. Enforce device security policies to protect passkey storage and prevent unauthorized access. 6. Monitor authentication logs for anomalies indicative of credential abuse or account takeover attempts. 7. Develop incident response plans specifically addressing identity and access management breaches. 8. Regularly review and update authentication infrastructure to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities. 9. Collaborate with vendors to ensure timely updates and patches for SSO and passkey technologies. 10. Consider phased rollouts with pilot groups to identify and resolve implementation challenges before full deployment.