Let's be honest, how many times have you used something like “123456” or “123123” as a password? With so many online accounts to juggle, even if you know your password is weak, it's easy to use a simple password. You will want to use Unfortunately, NordPass' report shows we're still making the same mistakes when it comes to keeping our accounts safe.
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The most popular (and insecure) passwords of 2024
NordPass releases top compilation 200 most popular passwords Used for personal and business purposes. NordPass worked with threat management company NordStellar to analyze a massive 2.5 TB database of global passwords, including passwords obtained from the dark web. Spoiler alert: They're still surprisingly unstable.
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Password hole of shame
We're all guilty of using weak passwords at some point, but the extent of this digital negligence is truly astonishing. For the sixth year in a row, '123456' has claimed the dubious honor of being the most common password used by over 3 million people.
This is followed by its slightly more “complex” cousins: 123456789 and 12345678. But wait, things get even worse. The password “password” still ranks high on the list and is used by around 700,000 people. It's as if we all collectively dare hackers to break into our accounts.
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Top 10 most common passwords
According to NordPass, the top 10 most common passwords in 2024 are:
1) 123456
2) 123456789
3) 12345678
4) Password
5) qwerty123
6) qwerty1
7) 111111
8) 12345
9) Secret
10) 123123
Corporate negligence
You might think that people would be more cautious in professional settings where sensitive data is at risk. Let's think again. The corporate world mirrors personal password habits surprisingly closely. The same weak passwords dominate business accounts, with “123456” leading the way, used in over 1.2 million instances.
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The effects of weak passwords
Using an easily guessed password like this is like leaving your front door wide open in a burglary-prone area. These passwords can be cracked in less than a second, potentially leading to account compromise. identity theft There are many other digital nightmares.
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Strengthen your digital defenses
So how can you break this cycle of mediocre passwords?
1) Last long: Aim for a password that is at least 20 characters long.
2) Mix: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.
3) Being unique is important: Don't reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
4) Regular reviews: Evaluate and update your passwords regularly.
5) Consider using a password manager. Password managers securely store and generate complex passwords. It also helps you create unique, difficult-to-crack passwords that hackers can never guess. Plus, it keeps track of all your passwords in one place and enters them for you when you log into your account, so you don't have to remember them yourself. The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you are to reuse them on your account.
What qualities should you look for in a password manager?
Here are some important tips when choosing the best password manager for you.
- Deployment safe
- the work seamlessly across all devices
- create unique and complex passwords Varies by account
- will be filled in automatically Login and password fields for apps and sites you want to revisit
- have browser extensions Any browser you use to automatically insert passwords
- allow fail safe In case you lose or forget your primary password
- Make sure your existing password is secure, warn you In case of infringement
- Purpose two-factor authentication safety
Learn more about me Here are the best password managers of 2024, reviewed by experts.
6) Start using your passkey. passkey They are designed to replace traditional passwords and are steadily gaining popularity, especially among large companies and websites. Far more secure and reliable than traditional passwords, passkeys let you automatically sign in to websites and apps using facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a physical security key.
Cart important points
It's clear that you need to step up your password game. Using a weak password like “123456” is a gamble you can't make, especially for those of us who spend more of our lives online. You can protect yourself from cyber threats by taking simple steps, such as creating longer and more complex passwords and using a password manager. Make 2025 the year you prioritize digital security and leave your old passwords behind.
What's the worst password you've ever used? And did something bad happen to you because of it? Email us. Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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