In 2023, the list of the most popular passwords has been revealed, and the implications for online safety are significant. A report mymxdata.com, shared Mirror.co.uk, highlights how millions of users continue to use easily hacked passwords, leaving themselves at risk of cybercrime.
The list includes classic passwords like “123456” and “password,” which have been used a shocking 6.6 million times. Other common passwords include “qwerty,” “abc123,” and “password1.” These choices, often linked to names, football teams, celebrities, or fictional characters, create a vulnerability that cybercriminals exploit. Additionally, the report breaks down the riskiest passwords across various categories, providing insight into common numerical sequences, football teams, and fictional characters often used in passwords.
To enhance online security, experts recommend immediate action. They emphasize the importance of complexity and uniqueness in passwords, suggesting the use of capital letters, numbers, and special characters. The recommended password length is at least 12 characters, incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols such as ., !, @, #, $, %. Avoiding easily guessable information such as names, birthdays, or common sequences that hackers can exploit is also crucial.
In order to create strong passwords, using a password generator or a password manager is recommended cybersecurity firm Keeper. A password generator allows users to create strong, complex passwords customizing them with symbols, capital letters, or numbers. Password managers offer a secure vault to store complex passwords, eliminating the need to memorize multiple login details, providing enhanced security without the risk of weak passwords or the inconvenience of forgetting them.
Taking proactive measures against cyber threats, such as adopting strong, unique passwords, is paramount. Users are urged not to let their online presence become a statistic in the cybercrime landscape and to act now. By staying informed and following best practices, individuals can safeguard themselves against potential cyber threats.