In today’s digital world, where almost everything happens online, safeguarding your personal data is more important than ever. Passwords serve as the first line of defense against cyber-attacks, protecting sensitive information such as personal details, financial accounts, and even identities. However, many users continue to rely on easily guessed passwords, making them vulnerable to hacking. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of using strong passwords and highlight some of the most common passwords that should be avoided.
Unveiling Dark Web Trends
NordPass, a password management tool, employed an in-depth, multi-layered approach to compile a list of the most frequently used passwords worldwide. Working with independent researchers, NordPass examined a vast database of passwords collected from various sources, including publicly accessible records and data from the dark web. This analysis covered password data from over 35 countries, offering a global view of password trends.
To further strengthen their findings, NordPass researchers explored a separate 6.6TB archive of passwords stolen by different malware types like Redline, Vidar, Taurus, Raccoon, Azorult, and Cryptbot. These malware logs included not only the passwords but also the websites where they were originally used, allowing researchers to identify the most popular passwords by platform. This comprehensive approach ensured that NordPass’s study was based on a robust, unbiased analysis.
The Importance of Strong Passwords
Before we look at the most common used passwords, let’s emphasize why strong passwords are crucial. Passwords act as the primary barrier between cybercriminals and your private data. Weak passwords make it easy for hackers to gain access to your personal information, financial accounts, and other sensitive data. Shockingly, 17 out of the world’s 20 most common passwords can be cracked in less than a second.
Top 10 Most Common Passwords
A recent NordPass study revealed the most common passwords globally, and the results are alarming. The top password is “123456,” followed closely by “password,” “123456789,” and “qwerty.” These passwords are incredibly simple, and hackers can crack them in seconds.
1. 123456
2. password
3. qwerty
4. letmein
5. 123456789
6. admin
7. welcome
8. 12345
9. 12345678
10. 1234
Key Findings from the NordPass Study
NordPass’s research on the most common passwords in 2023 revealed some interesting trends:
– In the U.S., almost all of the top 20 passwords can be cracked in under a second. Notable exceptions include “UNKNOWN” (17 minutes) and “shitbird” (5 minutes).
– In the U.K., football fans often use their favorite teams’ names as passwords. Common choices include “liverpool” (4th), “arsenal” (6th), and “chelsea” (10th).
– In Australia, “Banned” (2 minutes) is a frequently used password, while “Starwars29” also made the list.
– The most popular year used in passwords was 2010, with nearly 10 million variations.
– Eva, Alex, and Anna are popular names used in passwords, while Darcie and Darcey are at the bottom of the list.
– About 7% of all passwords contain curse words, with “ass,” “sex,” and the “F-word” being the most common.
Why Are Weak Passwords So Common?
There are several reasons why weak passwords remain popular. They are easy to remember, and many websites default to simple options. Additionally, some users may not fully understand the risks of weak passwords or underestimate the potential threats.
Risks of Using Most Common Passwords
Weak passwords pose significant security risks. If a hacker cracks your password, they could access your personal information, financial accounts, or even steal your identity. This can lead to identity theft, fraud, and financial losses.
How to Create Strong Passwords
Creating a strong password is essential for protecting your personal information. Here are some tips for crafting a secure password:
– Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make your password harder to guess.
– Make it at least 12 characters long—the longer, the better.
– Avoid using personal information like your name or birthdate, as this can be easily guessed.
– Change your passwords regularly, especially if you suspect they’ve been compromised.
You can also use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account. Popular tools like LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden offer secure ways to manage your passwords.
Fun Tip for Strong Passwords
If you need inspiration, consider using a meaningful phrase or sentence that only you can relate to. For example, use the first letter of each word in your favorite quote or song to create a unique, hard-to-guess password.
Additional Security: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
To further enhance your online security, consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
Conclusion
Online security starts with strong passwords. By avoiding weak, commonly used passwords, you can significantly improve your digital safety. Remember, using unique and complex passwords, paired with password management tools and 2FA, is key to protecting yourself from cyber threats.
