The worst password, consistently topping lists of compromised credentials, is 123456. Its widespread use makes it incredibly vulnerable and easy for attackers to guess or crack.
Why is "123456" the Worst Password?
A password's strength is inversely proportional to its predictability. "123456" is the epitome of predictability due to several factors:
- Simplicity: It's a short, sequential string of numbers.
- Commonality: It's the most frequently used password globally, meaning attackers target it first.
- Ease of Guessing: Brute-force attacks and dictionary attacks can crack it almost instantly.
Regular analyses of breached data and common password trends reveal that simple, sequential numerical strings or common keyboard patterns are almost always at the top of the list for frequently compromised passwords.
Common Weak Passwords
Beyond "123456," many other passwords consistently appear on lists of the most common and therefore weakest choices. These are often variations of simple patterns or well-known terms:
| Rank | Common Weak Passwords (2019 Examples) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 123456 |
| 2 | 123456789 |
| 3 | qwerty |
| 4 | password |
These examples illustrate a general rule: if a password is easy to remember because it's a simple sequence, a dictionary word, or a keyboard pattern, it's likely a poor choice for security. For more insights into common vulnerabilities, you can explore resources like this list of frequently compromised passwords.
How to Choose a Strong Password
Protecting your online accounts starts with strong, unique passwords. Here are key principles for creating robust credentials:
- Length is Key: Aim for passwords that are at least 12-16 characters long. Longer passwords exponentially increase the time it takes for a computer to crack them.
- Mix it Up: Combine a variety of character types:
- Uppercase letters (A, B, C...)
- Lowercase letters (a, b, c...)
- Numbers (1, 2, 3...)
- Symbols (!, @, #, $...)
- Be Unpredictable:
- Avoid using personal information (birthdays, names, pet names).
- Steer clear of common dictionary words or simple patterns like "password" or "qwerty."
- Don't use sequential numbers or letters.
- Uniqueness is Crucial: Never reuse passwords across different accounts. If one account is compromised, all others using the same password become vulnerable.
- Consider a Passphrase: Instead of a single word, use a memorable but long phrase composed of unrelated words (e.g., "Correct Horse Battery Staple").
- Utilize Password Managers: These tools securely generate, store, and auto-fill complex, unique passwords for all your accounts, requiring you to remember only one master password.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever available, activate 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security, typically requiring a code from your phone or a physical key in addition to your password, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts even if they have your password.
By avoiding common pitfalls like "123456" and adopting these security practices, you significantly enhance your digital safety.
