A password is security in its most standard and basic form. Passwords are a fundamental aspect of computer security and are used to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.The idea is that only individuals who know the correct password should be granted access. Nowadays, passwords are often part of a broader authentication process that may include additional factors such as usernames, PINs (Personal Identification Numbers), biometrics (like fingerprints or facial recognition), or multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide two different types of identification before access is granted. It’s crucial for users to choose strong and unique passwords to enhance security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access. This involves avoiding easily guessable combinations, using a mix of character types, and regularly updating passwords. 

Using common passwords poses a significant security risk, as they are easily guessable or can be found in password dictionaries used by attackers. NordPass recently released their 2023 list of Top 200 Most Common Passwords. Here are the top 15 most common passwords in all countries: 

  1. 123456
  2. admin
  3. 12345678
  4. 123456789
  5. 1234
  6. 12345
  7. password
  8. 123
  9. Aa123456
  10. 1234567890
  11. UNKNOWN
  12. 1234567
  13. 123123
  14. 111111
  15. Password

All of these passwords, except for one, were cracked in less than a second. The password “UNKNOWN” took 17 minutes to crack. The number one most common password “123456” was counted over 4.5 million times. NordPass can also filter their password data by country and platform category. In e-commerce, the fourth most prevalent password turned out to be “amazon,” while in the streaming domain, the fifth most frequently used password happened to be “netflix.” Unexpectedly, “minecraft” claimed the seventh spot among the most common passwords in social media, whereas on gaming platforms, it ranked as the fifteenth most frequently used password. A final, cautionary note for the savvy: while “P@ssw0rd” may seem creative, it can lead to swift hacking in under a second.

However, it’s important to note that using any easily guessable password, regardless of popularity, is not secure. Stay away from creating passwords with your name, address, or birthday. It’s recommended to create strong, unique passwords for each online account. A strong password typically includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, using a passphrase or a combination of random words can enhance security. Keep your passwords confidential and consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. However, even password management tools have their faults. Nothing is ever really secure. Traditional methods such as writing passwords down on pen and paper may be the solution, as long as no one sees it. 

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