In the digital age, managing multiple online accounts has become commonplace, leading many individuals to opt for easily memorable passwords. However, using simplistic or weak passwords can expose accounts to cyber threats despite ongoing warnings to enhance security measures.
Despite repeated advisories, a significant number of users persist in utilizing easily crackable passwords, highlighting the need for immediate security enhancements. NordPass recently unveiled a list of the most commonly used passwords in the UK, revealing astonishingly common choices like “admin,” “123456,” and even “password.”
The top 10 worst passwords according to NordPass 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 assumptions, poor password practices are prevalent across all age groups, as evidenced by the widespread use of easily guessable passwords like “12345” and “123456.” Encouragingly, there has been an increase in password complexity with more users incorporating symbols and capital letters, enhancing security and thwarting password cracking attempts.
However, NordPass warns that even popular passwords like “P@ssw0rd,” “Admin@123,” or “Abcd@1234” are still insufficiently complex and remain vulnerable to exploitation. To bolster security, experts recommend selecting intricate passwords with a mix of symbols, capital letters, and numbers.
Karolis Arbaciauskas, NordPass’s head of product, commented on the latest findings, noting a modest improvement in password hygiene despite ongoing cybersecurity education efforts. While the industry is moving towards passwordless authentication methods like passkeys based on biometric data, strong passwords remain crucial, especially considering that approximately 80% of data breaches stem from compromised or weak passwords. Criminals persist in exploiting password vulnerabilities until they gain unauthorized access.
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