In the age of managing multiple online accounts, many individuals are prone to using easily memorable passwords. Unfortunately, opting for simplistic or weak codes can expose accounts to cyber threats.
Despite continuous alerts, some users persist in utilizing easily crackable passwords. If you suspect your security measures are lacking, immediate action is necessary.
To highlight what not to do, NordPass has disclosed some of the most commonly employed passwords in the UK, revealing astonishingly common choices like “admin,” “123456,” and even “password.”
The top 10 worst password list includes:
1. admin
2. 123456
3. password
4. 12345678
5. 123456789
6. Password1
7. Password
8. 12345
9. Lennon11
10. 1234567890
Contrary to assumptions, poor password practices are prevalent across all age groups, as per NordPass findings. Notably, “12345” and “123456” consistently rank high among all generations.
An encouraging trend this year is the increased diversification in password creation, with more users incorporating symbols and capital letters. This enhances security and makes passwords harder to crack.
However, popular passwords like “P@ssw0rd,” “Admin@123,” or “Abcd@1234” are still relatively easy to decipher, as noted by NordPass. For enhanced security, it is advisable to choose complex words and integrate symbols, capitals, and numbers.
Karolis Arbaciauskas, NordPass’s head of product, commented on the latest research, emphasizing the persistent challenge in improving password hygiene despite cybersecurity awareness efforts. He highlighted the significance of strong passwords in mitigating data breaches, which are often a result of compromised or weak passwords.
While the transition towards passkeys as a passwordless authentication method progresses, the importance of robust passwords remains paramount, especially given that approximately 80% of data breaches stem from vulnerable passwords. Criminals exploit weak passwords, intensifying their attacks until successful.