Americans Are Using the Most Basic Passwords (2024 Edition)
Short summary:
NordPass has released its annual list of the most commonly used, easily cracked passwords, showing an alarming trend of weak choices. The list spans personal and corporate accounts across 44 countries, revealing some surprisingly popular but insecure options.
NordPass has released its annual list of the most common weak passwords, highlighting the predictable and insecure choices many people still use. Analyzing data from 44 countries, including both personal and corporate accounts leaked through malware or data breaches, the findings reveal that "123456" remains the most popular password globally, followed by other variations like "123456789" and "password." Country-specific lists show slight variations, with the U.S. favoring "secret," Canada leaning toward "qwerty123," and Mexico also sticking with "123456."
The report also uncovers some curious trends. For example, Canada’s list includes “9-11-1961,” a date with unclear significance, while the U.S. corporate password list ranks “aaron431” as a top choice, possibly linked to a major corporate breach. Despite the data’s occasional oddities, the overarching trend remains consistent: many users continue to rely on overly simple, easy-to-crack passwords, putting their accounts at significant risk.
NordPass emphasizes the importance of using strong, unique passwords and suggests password managers to enhance security. While some entries, like Canada’s “hockey” or Mexico’s “pokemon,” might elicit a chuckle, the overall takeaway is a serious reminder of the dangers of weak password habits in an increasingly digital world.