An €88 million jewellery heist at the Louvre sounds like something out of a Hollywood script, doesn’t it? But this wasn’t fiction. It happened in broad daylight, and what’s even more shocking is how easily it could have been prevented.
The museum’s surveillance system password? “Louvre.”
It’s a classic case of basic Cyber Security falling through the cracks. And if it can happen to one of the most famous museums in the world, it’s a reminder that no organisation is immune to simple mistakes.
In this blog, we’ll unpack what went wrong, why weak passwords remain such a common issue, and what steps you can take to strengthen your organisation’s password practices before they become your weakest link.
The Digital Crack in the Museum’s Armour
When investigators dug deeper into the Louvre heist, what they found was almost unbelievable. The password for the museum’s video surveillance system was “Louvre.” The security software provided by Thales? Its password was “Thales.”
These weren’t new mistakes. France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) had already warned the museum about weak passwords and outdated systems back in 2014. Their audit revealed that parts of the network were still running on Windows 2000, a system long past its update and antivirus support.
It’s a familiar story. Legacy systems that “still work.” Passwords that “will do for now.” And recommendations that quietly gather dust.
Cyber Security expert Dale Meredith summed it up perfectly. He often hears clients say their systems are fully up to date, only to find a forgotten server running an ancient operating system that supports a single old application.
The Louvre’s situation isn’t unique. It’s a reflection of what happens when basic digital hygiene slips through the cracks.
Why Weak Passwords Are Still One of the Biggest Security Gaps
It’s easy to see how password security slips down the list of priorities. Maybe it’s “just one account.” Maybe it’s “only internal.” Or maybe it’s been the same setup for years, and no one wants to touch it.
But all it takes is one weak password to open the door. A single set of credentials can give attackers exactly what they need to move deeper into a network.
Passwords are still one of the most common entry points for breaches. They protect everything from admin panels to CCTV systems and cloud accounts. Yet they’re often treated as an afterthought.
The irony is hard to ignore. The Louvre is one of the most heavily guarded buildings in the world. Yet while its physical defences were strong, its digital ones were wide open.
Password Habits: Where Organisations Go Wrong
Even with the best intentions, password security often falls short in practice. Many organisations know what “good” looks like, but daily pressures and legacy systems can make it hard to keep up.
Here are a few common slip-ups we see time and time again:
- Shared or reused passwords for admin accounts, making it impossible to track who accessed what.
- Default credentials left unchanged, especially on internal tools, IoT devices, or CCTV systems.
- Outdated systems that can’t support stronger authentication methods such as MFA.
- No clear password policy or inconsistent enforcement across departments.
- Password changes seen as a hassle, so people reuse old ones or create small variations.
At the Louvre, these habits seemed to collide. Old systems were left running, passwords went unchanged for years, and audit recommendations were ignored.
Building a Strong Password Policy That Actually Works
So how do you make sure your organisation doesn’t end up repeating the same mistakes? It starts with a password policy that’s practical, easy to follow, and enforced consistently.
A strong policy isn’t about adding unnecessary complexity. It’s about creating habits that make good security second nature.
Here are some key points every organisation should include:
- Use passphrases instead of short passwords. Combine random words to create something long but memorable.
- Prioritise length over complexity. Sixteen characters of simple words is stronger than eight characters of random symbols.
- Avoid personal references. No birthdays, company names, or family details that could be guessed or found online.
- Change default credentials immediately. This is especially important for IoT, CCTV, and admin systems.
- Regularly update and audit credentials. Identify old or unused accounts that may have been forgotten about.
- Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. It’s one of the easiest ways to block unauthorised access.
- Use a password manager. This keeps credentials secure and helps employees maintain consistency across multiple accounts.
Strong password management doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent.
Beyond Passwords: The Importance of Digital Housekeeping
The Louvre’s weak passwords weren’t the only issue. Behind them sat a network still running on outdated systems like Windows 2000, long after support had ended. That meant no patches, no antivirus updates, and plenty of open doors for attackers.
This highlights a much bigger problem: digital housekeeping. Even with strong passwords, neglected systems can quickly become a security liability.
Every organisation has those “forgotten corners” of their network like old servers, test environments, or legacy tools that no one wants to touch. But those are often where the biggest risks hide.
A few key practices can help keep things clean:
- Keep software and operating systems up to date. Unsupported systems are easy targets.
- Monitor legacy infrastructure. Know what’s still running and who has access.
- Include password and access reviews in regular risk assessments. Make them part of your ongoing maintenance, not a one-off audit.
A Priceless Lesson in Password Security from the Louvre
Strong credentials are only effective when supported by a secure, well-maintained environment.
For Cyber Security leaders, the takeaway is clear. Password hygiene isn’t just an IT concern, it’s a cultural one. When leadership prioritises security habits and keeps them consistent across the organisation, everyone follows suit.
So, when was the last time your organisation reviewed its password policy or checked for forgotten systems still running in the background?
If you’d like guidance on strengthening your Cyber Security planning, OmniCyber is here to help. Our team can support you in building secure, sustainable practices that protect your organisation from the inside out.
