In 2024, Americans Opt for Idiotic Password Choices According to the Latest Report
In a recent publication, password manager NordPass has unveiled its annual list of the most popular passwords that are easy to crack, compiled from sets of passwords stolen by malware and exposed in data leaks. The lists, available to view at NordPass, include data from 44 countries.
The overall top 20 most common passwords globally include "123456", "password", "qwerty123", "qwerty", and "123123". Unsurprisingly, these simple and easily guessable combinations continue to pose a significant security risk.
One intriguing finding is the presence of "9-11-1961" as a popular password. However, it appears that the significance of this date may be unclear or potentially confused with the far more impactful "9-11-2001" date related to the terrorist attacks. It's possible that users have selected "9-11-1961" without any direct connection to a notable event, and the year 1961 could reflect a personal or random choice unrelated to major historical events.
In the U.S., the most common bad password is "secret", while in Canada, the most common bad password is "qwerty123". The U.S. top 20 list includes "123456", "password", "123456789", "qwerty", "123123", and "12345". In Canada, "qwerty123123456" is among the top 20 most common bad passwords.
The U.S. list also features "hockey" as one of the most common bad passwords, while "Canada Top 20" includes "Password123" and "1234567". In the corporate world, "aaron431" is ranked as the fifth most popular password from corporate sources in the U.S., and "baseball1234567" is among the passwords broken out for being just from corporate sources.
Other passwords found on the list include "princessfootballmonkeysunshine" and "Qwerty1!". The inclusion of these complex-looking passwords serves as a reminder that even seemingly secure combinations can be found on lists of stolen passwords if they are based on easily guessed patterns or common phrases.
This year's lists include not just personal credentials but also corporate passwords, underscoring the importance of strong password hygiene for both individuals and businesses. By publicising these lists, NordPass aims to raise awareness about the importance of using unique, complex, and secure passwords to protect personal and corporate data from cyber threats.
The tech publication Gizmodo reports on NordPass' annual list of top passwords, revealing that the future of technology and cybersecurity remains precarious. Despite the many easily guessable combinations like "123456" and "password" still posing a significant security risk, the presence of "9-11-1961" as a popular password yields intriguing speculation. As nations like the U.S. and Canada continue to use basic passwords like "secret" and "qwerty123", it is crucial to prioritize complex, unique passwords to secure both personal and corporate data in the technology-driven future.
