Are You Using These Common Passwords? It Takes Less Than a Second to Crack
Are You Using These Common Passwords? It Takes Less Than a Second to Crack
“123456” tops the list in India and worldwide, revealing alarming trends in password security.
The sixth edition of NordPass’s annual Top 200 Most Common Passwords research has highlighted a global and national security concern: simple, easily crackable passwords. The study, conducted in collaboration with NordStellar, identifies “123456” as the most widely used password both globally and in India. Out of 3,018,050 users worldwide who use this password, 76,981 are from India.
Globally, the second most common password is “123456789,” which ranks as the fourth most used password in India. Similarly, variations of sequential numbers and common phrases like “qwerty” and “password” dominate the list, highlighting a dangerous disregard for password complexity.
Simplistic Patterns Dominate Password Choices
The research reveals that nearly 78% of the world’s most common passwords can be cracked in under a second, an increase from 70% the previous year. Many users choose convenience over security, often using patterns like “abcd1234,” “admin,” and culturally personalized combinations such as “Indya123.”
In India, the second most popular password is ironically “password” itself, echoing trends in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. Globally, simplistic phrases like “welcome,” “newpass,” and “admin” are especially prevalent in workplace settings, as employees often stick to default credentials provided during account setup.
The Danger of Repetition and Predictability
A major risk factor identified by the report is password reuse across multiple accounts. Many users—both personal and professional—fail to differentiate credentials, making them vulnerable to hacking. For business accounts, common default passwords like “temppass” and “newuser” further expose organizations to breaches.
Tips for Improved Password Security
Experts strongly recommend adopting robust security practices to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks:
- – Create strong passwords: Use a mix of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and symbols, with at least 20 characters.
- – Avoid reusing passwords: Ensure each account has a unique password.
- – Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an additional layer of security, reducing risks even if one password is compromised.
- – Use password managers: Tools like these can securely generate, store, and manage complex passwords, making them easier to use.
The study serves as a wake-up call for internet users worldwide. With password-related security breaches on the rise, adopting secure practices and avoiding simplistic patterns is more important than ever.
