We “LOUVRE” Strong Passwords: How a Weak Password Can Lead to Big Losses

The Louvre’s password became the punchline of a global story after a heist revealed major security concerns for the museum. Reports say the password protecting the museum’s video surveillance network was “LOUVRE.” Yes, you read that right. The same word on the building’s entrance was guarding its entire network. The unfortunate headline raises the question: if world-famous institutions can fall victim to password pitfalls, imagine how easily a small business could become a target.

Weak passwords are one of the oldest cybersecurity mistakes in the book, and yet they remain one of the most common causes of data breaches today. Even without sophisticated hacking tools, cybercriminals can easily guess simple passwords made up of names, dates, or common words.

A strong password should always include a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid anything that could be guessed from public information. Better yet, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of protection that can stop a breach in its tracks, even if a password is compromised.

A recent report from the National Cybersecurity Agency of France (ANSSI) shows that "the museum’s office network used obsolete systems, such as Windows 2000, which no longer guaranteed antivirus updates".(Cybernews, 2025). Many organizations continue using older systems that lack the latest security patches, creating vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. As software ages, it becomes less effective in communicating with newer tools, leaving gaps in your digital defenses.

The Louvre’s weak password proves that even the most prestigious institutions can be vulnerable due to simple oversights. Whether you’re guarding world-famous art or protecting your company’s data, strong passwords and up-to-date software are the foundation of good cybersecurity.

If you’re tired of the headaches and stress of managing complex IT systems, Cobb Connect can help. Our managed IT services team keeps your network secure, your software current, and your business protected, so you can focus on what matters most: running your business with confidence.

Want to learn more about protecting your business from cyber threats?

Join us for an upcoming Cybersecurity Webinar: "Debunking the Hacker Myth: What Every Business Needs To Know About Modern Cyber Threats." Jason Holmes, our Vice President of Managed Services, will join forces with Huntress to share real-world strategies that strengthen your defenses, improve password security, and keep your systems protected.

Save your spot today! Register Here: https://www.cobbtechnologies.com/hacker-myths-webinar