Did you know that the strength of your password can guarantee or doom the safety of your files, personal information, and even your financial details online? Allow us to guide you through the realm of the most vulnerable passwords that you should deliberately dodge.
You may be surprised that some of the worst passwords are common or frequently used phrases, sequential numbers, and even basic dictionary words. The danger of hacking into this kind of password-protected account is quite.
123456
Do you use 123456 as your password? Well, it’s time for a change! This number sequence is one of the worst passwords you could choose. Why? Because it’s simply too easy for hackers to guess.
Using 123456 as a password is like hiding your house keys under the welcome mat. The truth is that hackers check for obvious sequences like this one as their first step. Despite its popularity, this password provides almost no security.
Adding numbers to your password can make it stronger, but not if they are in a predictable sequence. Passwords like 123456 need more complexity to be truly secure.
So, what makes a password strong? Two factors: length and complexity. Although 123456 is six characters long, its lack of complexity makes it vulnerable.
If you currently use 123456 as your password, we urge you to change it. Make sure to choose a more secure option for your digital safety!
12345678
Oh dear! Yes, 12345678 has made it onto the list—for a good reason. Unfortunately, the apparent progression from the previously mentioned 123456 is a frequently chosen option that hardly offers any security. It’s notably one of the worst password choices you could make.
Why, you wonder? Well, at these times, we must remember that hackers and computer algorithms are not rookies and are familiar with common password habits. Numerous password-cracking tools immediately test these obvious numeric sequences, which people often presume are safe hiding spots. Unfortunately, your precious account information is as secure as an open door with this so-called ‘password’.
123123
Imagine creating a six-digit password. You instinctively go for “123123”. Let’s face it: it’s easy to remember. The problem is, it’s just as easy for anybody else. Using simple sequences makes your accounts vulnerable, as it’s high on the list of first guesses any hacker or malicious software would make.
123321
Twisting the previous logic a bit, you might feel inclined to use a sequence variant, like “123321”. Although you’ve made it slightly more intricate by reversing the line halfway through, it lacks complexity and uniqueness. Hackers often use algorithms that rapidly go through such common patterns, placing this password among the worst.
Iloveyou
Undeniably sweet and reassuring with a strong emotional value, “Iloveyou” is a common favourite among poor password choices. You might believe a password conveying powerful feelings holds some inherent protection. Sadly, within the digital world, emotions translate into an easy target for hackers. Passwords should be unpredictable and devoid of personal sentiment.
Welcome
The ironic part about using a password like “welcome” is that you unintentionally roll the red carpet out for cyber attackers. It’s an open invitation for trouble like leaving your house key under the doormat. Since it’s a generic word used frequently, it’s a pitfall easily avoided.
admin123
By joining two commonly used password elements, ‘ admin’ and ‘123, ‘ we get the dubious gem known as ‘admin123. ‘ It’s like the worst of both worlds. Combining ordinary words with a numerical sequence doesn’t exactly make it Fort Knox. This easy-to-guess blend sits comfortably in the realm of bad passwords and should be retired for your security’s sake.
111111
Just think about this one for a moment. Does it strike you as secure? It shouldn’t. It’s like handing your keys to a would-be burglar and saying, “Come on at any time.” The 111111 password is a common choice among those prioritising convenience over security. And while it’s incredibly easy for you to remember, it’s also incredibly easy for hackers to guess.
1234567890
The expanded version of “12345678”. Its only ‘advantage’ over its siblings is that it’s slightly longer, making it theoretically less vulnerable to a brute force attack. However, due to its predictability – just like all the other predictable numerical sequences – 1234567890 also lands in the “worst passwords” category.
letmein
By using the password letmein, it’s like you’re rolling out the red carpet for hackers. And that’s the opposite of what you want to do regarding your data security. It’s a weak password because it’s a common phrase and doesn’t use a mix of character types. Always try to avoid passwords that are common words or phrases.
password1
This might sound like a slight upgrade to the simple “password” option, right? Not so fast. In fact, a 2020 NordPass survey found that passwords were used by a whopping 360,467 people—a fact that criminals are well aware of. Hackers know that adding a number at the end is a common attempt to fortify a weak password. As such, password1 holds almost no extra value in terms of security compared to its numerical-free counterpart.
abc123
The general rule of thumb is that if your password is too easy to recall, it’s likely too easy to crack. Case in point: abc123. It combines two of the most common password-building approaches – alphabets in order and numerical sequences. This blend does not make it harder to crack. Instead, it makes it more predictable.
In conclusion, think about your password, like your toothbrush. You don’t want to share it; you want to change it regularly (probably more often than your toothbrush) and make sure it’s unique to you… and not something as generic and boring as ‘admin’.
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