Mar 30, 2026 • Arielle Waldman
Manufacturing & Healthcare Share Struggles with Passwords
This article examines password and access management challenges in the Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors. Both industries struggle with security because...
Executive Summary
This article examines password and access management challenges in the Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors. Both industries struggle with security because insiders often perceive access controls as impediments to productivity, while threat actors recognize weak access management as an entry point. The article highlights the disconnect between security policies and user behavior, where convenience frequently trumps security best practices. This creates exploitable vulnerabilities where credential-based attacks can succeed. Organizations in these sectors should implement user-friendly multi-factor authentication, security awareness training that emphasizes risks, and context-based access controls that balance security with operational efficiency. Addressing the cultural resistance to access management is essential for reducing the attack surface in these critical infrastructure sectors.
Summary
The two key economic sectors struggle with security for a reason: Many insiders view access management as a roadblock, while attackers see it as a way in.
Published Analysis
This article examines password and access management challenges in the Manufacturing and Healthcare sectors. Both industries struggle with security because insiders often perceive access controls as impediments to productivity, while threat actors recognize weak access management as an entry point. The article highlights the disconnect between security policies and user behavior, where convenience frequently trumps security best practices. This creates exploitable vulnerabilities where credential-based attacks can succeed. Organizations in these sectors should implement user-friendly multi-factor authentication, security awareness training that emphasizes risks, and context-based access controls that balance security with operational efficiency. Addressing the cultural resistance to access management is essential for reducing the attack surface in these critical infrastructure sectors. The two key economic sectors struggle with security for a reason: Many insiders view access management as a roadblock, while attackers see it as a way in. The two key economic sectors struggle with security for a reason: Many insiders view access management as a roadblock, while attackers see it as a way in.