In today’s digital age, managing multiple online accounts has become common practice, leading many individuals to opt for easily memorable passwords. Unfortunately, using simplistic or weak codes can expose accounts to cyber threats.
Despite numerous warnings, some individuals persist in using easily crackable passwords. If you are concerned about the security of your accounts, it is crucial to implement immediate changes.
To highlight common password pitfalls, the NordPass team has unveiled a list of the most frequently used passwords in the UK. Shockingly, some individuals rely on passwords like “admin,” “123456,” and even “password.”
The top 10 worst passwords include:
1. admin
2. 123456
3. password
4. 12345678
5. 123456789
6. Password1
7. Password
8. 12345
9. Lennon11
10. 1234567890
Contrary to popular belief, poor password practices are not limited to older generations. NordPass reports that password vulnerability spans all age groups, with “12345” and “123456” consistently ranking as top choices across demographics.
A positive trend observed this year is an increase in the diversification of passwords, with more users incorporating symbols and capital letters. This enhanced complexity enhances security and makes passwords harder to crack.
However, popular passwords like “P@ssw0rd,” “Admin@123,” or “Abcd@1234” still lack the necessary complexity to thwart cyber threats. To bolster security, experts recommend selecting intricate passwords that include a mix of symbols, capitalization, and numbers.
Karolis Arbaciauskas, NordPass’ head of product, commented on the latest findings, noting that despite advancements in cybersecurity education, there has been minimal improvement in password hygiene. He emphasized the importance of strong passwords, especially since approximately 80% of data breaches stem from compromised or weak passwords.
While the industry is gradually shifting towards passwordless authentication methods such as passkeys based on biometric data, robust passwords remain crucial in the interim. Criminals exploit weak passwords in nearly 80% of data breaches, underscoring the urgency for improved password practices.