With the burden of managing multiple online accounts, it is common for individuals to choose easily memorable passwords. However, using simplistic or weak passwords can significantly increase the risk of cyberattacks on these accounts.
Despite repeated warnings, some users still opt for passwords that can be cracked within seconds. If you suspect that your account security is inadequate, it is crucial to take immediate steps to enhance it.
To highlight what not to do, NordPass has disclosed a list of the most commonly used passwords in the United Kingdom. Shockingly, many people are utilizing passwords such as “admin,” “123456,” and even “password.”
The top 10 worst passwords are as follows:
1. admin
2. 123456
3. password
4. 12345678
5. 123456789
6. Password1
7. Password
8. 12345
9. Lennon11
10. 1234567890
Contrary to popular belief that older individuals are primarily prone to making password mistakes, research by NordPass indicates that password vulnerability is consistent across all age groups. Notably, “12345” and “123456” remain the most frequently chosen passwords across different generations.
A positive trend observed this year is the increased use of symbols and capital letters in passwords, enhancing security measures and making it more challenging for passwords to be cracked. However, popular passwords like “P@ssw0rd,” “Admin@123,” or “Abcd@1234” are still considered insufficiently complex and easy targets for hackers.
For enhanced security, individuals are advised to select intricate words and incorporate a mix of symbols, capital letters, and numbers in their passwords.
Karolis Arbaciauskas, the head of product at NordPass, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong passwords amidst the gradual shift towards passwordless authentication methods based on biometric data. He highlighted that approximately 80% of data breaches result from compromised, weak, or reused passwords, underscoring the critical role of robust password practices in thwarting cyber threats.