What is a possible consequence of poor password management?

Poor password management can lead to unauthorized access to multiple accounts, making this the most viable consequence. When users do not maintain strong, unique passwords for each of their accounts, they increase the risk of a data breach or hacking incident. For example, if a password is reused across multiple platforms and one of those accounts is compromised, attackers can easily access all other accounts that share the same password. This is particularly concerning in environments where sensitive information is stored or where organizations rely on multiple interconnected systems.

When passwords are not managed properly, it can also contribute to weaker overall security practices, which amplify the risks associated with unauthorized access. In contrast, other options such as enhanced system security or increased system performance are not typically associated with poor password management. Similarly, while reduced user productivity can sometimes result from having to reset forgotten passwords or deal with account lockouts, it does not directly address the critical security implications that arise from unauthorized access. Thus, the significant risk of having multiple accounts accessed unauthorizedly underscores the importance of effective password management practices.