The Average Password Reset Costs $70

We’ve all been there, you sit down with your morning coffee, ready to log in and get to work, only to realize you can’t remember your password. What follows is a chain reaction that disrupts your morning. You’re calling IT, waiting for the reset, and watching your valuable time slip away.

According to Forrester, the average password reset costs $70. That number isn’t pulled out of thin air — it reflects the IT person’s time fixing the issue plus the employee’s downtime while waiting to get back to work.

Do the Math: Small Issues, Big Price Tags

Now imagine a business with 100 employees. If even one person forgets their password once a month (and let’s be honest, it’s usually more), that’s $7,000 a year wasted on resets.

That’s $7,000 that could have been spent on new equipment, staff training, community programs, or just about anything more valuable than typing in “reset123” for the hundredth time.

The Bigger Picture: Productivity Takes a Hit

Gartner estimates that 40% of all help desk calls are password related. Think of the hours lost: employees frustrated at being locked out, mangers frustrated at their teams’ lack of productivity, IT teams bogged down by repetitive tickets, and projects delayed while waiting for access. It’s bigger than just money. It’s about productivity, morale, and momentum.

The Human Side of Passwords

Passwords are a pain for everyone. Employees dread the “wrong password” loop. Nobody wins when forgotten credentials eat up the day.

Smarter Solutions Exist

Thankfully, modern tools make password chaos manageable:

• Password Managers (like LastPass): Securely store and autofill complex passwords so employees don’t have to remember dozens at once.

• Single Sign-On (SSO): One login, multiple tools. This reduces “password fatigue” and streamlines workflows.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds a layer of protection without creating more password headaches.

Together, these tools cut down on wasted time, improve security, and make daily work smoother.

Where an MSP Fits In

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) can do more than just suggest tools. We handle the setup, training, and ongoing support. That means your staff feels confident using the solutions, your systems stay compliant and secure, and your IT team can shift their focus back to higher-value projects.

It’s Time to Rethink Password Management

Password resets may be “just part of IT,” but the costs add up fast. By investing in smarter password management, small businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits can save money, boost productivity, and keep frustrations low.

At Keystone, we don’t just manage IT—we execute. We ensure smooth transitions, rock-solid security, and maximum efficiency so your business can thrive. Let us handle the complexity of IT while you stay focused on what matters most—growing your business.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how Keystone delivers results you can trust.