For some reason, these are still the most popular passwords around
For some reason, these are still the most popular passwords around
Apart from the constant warning to use a password manager or even a password generator to create a powerful and unique password for all your online accounts, many users still use weak passwords and use them on the site, place their data and their identity at risk.
NordPass has released a new report that details the 200 most common passwords from 2021 and for the second year in a row, “123456” is still the most popular password around even though it will only take hackers less than one second to solve it. In fact, it is the most popular password in 43 of 50 countries analyzed followed by “123456”, “123456789”, “12345” (the most popular password in 2019), “QWERTY” and only “password”.
To compile the latest list of the most common passwords, the business password management company works with independent researchers who specialize in the Cybersecurity incident to evaluate the 4TB credential database.
Nordpass CEO, Jonas Karklys provides further insight into the findings of this year’s report in a statement, by saying:
“Unfortunately, the password continues to be weaker, and people still do not maintain the right password hygiene. It is important to understand that the password is a gateway for our digital life, and with us spending more time online, it becomes very important to care for Our cybersecurity better. “
The most common password in 2021
Nordpass also looks deeper in how local and gender affects the most popular password this year as part of a new report.
According to the company, cultural references can be found in every country of the name of the local soccer team such as “Steelers” in the US or “Liverpool” in the UK to the famous local drink name such as “Guinness” in Ireland and religious passwords such as “Christ in Nigeria and “Bismillah” in Saudi Arabia.
When it comes to differences between sexes when creating a weak password, NordPass finds that women tend to use music related passwords such as “Onedirection” or “Justinbieber” while men choose band names such as “Metallica” and “Slipknot”. Another major difference between sex is that overall, women use more positive and loving words while men prefer using passwords when creating a password.
In addition to using password managers or password generators, the user concerned about online security they must allow authentication of two factors (2fa) for their online account, monitor it for suspicious activities and use a data violation examiner to see if one of their passwords is open after cyberattack .