Commonly used passwords list

The Danger of Commonly Used Passwords

Why They Are a Weak Link

Commonly used passwords often fall victim to cyberattacks. They’re the low-hanging fruit for hackers. Some statistics reveal that:

Over 80% of data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords.
A study indicated that secure passwords account for less than 10% of all passwords created.

Using easy passwords might seem harmless, but they can lead to significant breaches.

Strong passwords include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Simple passwords, such as “123456” or “password,” are easily cracked.

Being aware of password risks is crucial in protecting sensitive information.

The Risks of Poor Password Hygiene

Poor password hygiene can lead to severe ramifications.

Identity Theft: Over 14 million identity theft cases occurred in 2018, many linked to weak passwords.
Financial Loss: The average cost of a data breach is approximately $3.86 million.

Key Factors to Consider:

Using the same password across multiple sites increases vulnerability.
Sharing passwords with others can lead to unauthorized access.

Ensure you practice good hygiene to avoid these risks.

For more information on secure password practices, visit NordPass.

The Most Common Passwords in Use

A Closer Look at ‘123456’

‘123456’ is the most common password used today.

It has appeared in over 10 million password breaches.
This password illustrates user carelessness and highlights the need for awareness.

Consider these facts:

It’s easily guessed by automated tools.
Alternatives should be longer and more complex.

To learn more about why this password is insecure, see the resources at NordPass.

The Troubles with ‘password’

Using “password” as your key to safety is a poor choice.

Nearly 5% of people have used “password” as a password at some point.
It’s consistently ranked among the worst passwords.

Recommendation:

Create unique phrases or concatenate random words.
One example of a strong password could be “BlueSky@2023”.

For assistance with creating strong passwords, check out NordPass.

Other Passwords to Avoid

Numerous passwords lack security. Here are some of the worst offenders:

Common Passwords	Frequency in Breaches
123456	10 million
qwerty	4 million
123456789	3.5 million
letmein	2 million

Make sure to sidestep these passwords to enhance security.

Visit NordPass for more insights into secure password options.

Tips for Choosing a Strong Password

Length and Complexity Matter

A strong password is a lengthy password.

Aim for at least 12-16 characters.
Include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.

Example of a strong structure:

Begin with a phrase: “I love to hike in the mountains!”
Modify it: “ILuv2Hike!InTheMtns#21”

Using a mix enhances the defense against brute-force attacks.

More tips can be found at NordPass.

Avoiding Personal Information

Using personal data makes passwords predictable.

Avoid birthdays, pet names, or easily accessible information.
Cybercriminals often monitor social media for clues.

Consider these strategies:

Utilize random word generators.
Create acronyms from favorite quotes or books.

To learn more about secure password practices, refer to NordPass.

The Power of a Password Manager

Password managers provide a secure way to store passwords.

They can generate complex passwords for each account.
Many users don’t realize over 70% of internet users utilize the same password across multiple accounts.

Benefits of using a password manager:

Secure storage of multiple passwords.
Easy access with a master password.

To explore reliable password managers, visit NordPass.

Recommended Password Managers

The Benefits of NordPass

NordPass offers numerous advantages:

Security Features: Encrypted storage and zero-knowledge architecture ensure your passwords remain private.
Password Generator: Create strong, unguessable passwords.

As a trusted source, many users have rated it highly for reliability.

Check the reviews at NordPass.

Other Reliable Options to Consider

There are multiple reputable password managers available. Here’s a quick comparison:

Password Manager	Price	Key Feature
NordPass	Free/Premium	Secure password sharing
LastPass	Free/Premium	Multi-platform support
Dashlane	Free/Premium	Built-in VPN service

These options can help enhance your password management strategy.

For insights on selecting the best one for your needs, check NordPass.

How Password Managers Work

Password managers simplify security. They work by:

Storing passwords in an encrypted vault.
Autofilling login credentials when needed.

This approach eliminates the need to remember every password, reducing the risk of using weak ones.

Explore how password managers can make your digital life easier at NordPass.

Best Practices for Password Management

Regularly Updating Your Passwords

It’s essential to change passwords periodically.

Experts recommend updating sensitive passwords every 3 to 6 months.
On average, it takes a hacker less than a minute to crack weak passwords.

Action Steps:

Set reminders for updates.
Use unique passwords for each account.

For more tips, refer to NordPass.

Using Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication 2FA is a robust security measure.

It adds an extra security layer, making unauthorized access much harder.
Users who enable 2FA can reduce the risk of account compromise by 99.9%.

Steps to enable 2FA:

Choose a 2FA method SMS, app, hardware token.
Follow the account’s settings to enable it.

More information on 2FA can be explored at NordPass.

Recognizing Phishing Attempts

Phishing can lead to password theft if not addressed.

Identify Signs of Phishing:
- Suspicious emails or messages with unexpected links.
- Poor grammar and spelling in communications.

Preventive Measures:

Verify the sender’s email address.
Do not click on unknown links.

To learn more about recognizing phishing attacks, check NordPass.

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