In this digital age, online security is crucial. One of the most important aspects of online security is creating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Unfortunately, many people still use common, weak passwords, which can put their personal information and financial data at risk, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The team at NordPass (a password management tool) collaborated with independent researchers to compile a list of the 200 most common passwords in 35 countries including the United States. Here are the top 20:
Risks
Various risks are associated with using common passwords including:
Ø Increased risk of identity theft: If a hacker gains access to your accounts, they can use your personal information for fraudulent purposes.
Ø Financial loss: Hackers can use your stolen credentials to access your bank accounts and make unauthorized transactions.
Ø Reputation damage: If your accounts are compromised, the hacker can use them to send spam or engage in other malicious activities, which could damage your reputation.
Ø Loss of control over your accounts: Once a hacker has access to your accounts, they can change your passwords, lock you out, and take control of your online presence.
Stronger Passwords
One of the obvious solutions is to create strong, unique passwords using these tips:
1. Make your passwords at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Avoid using sequential numbers or letters, as well as easily guessable information like your birth year or name.
3. Don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts, as this increases the risk of unauthorized access.
4. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
5. Update your passwords regularly, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Stronger, more secure passwords are less likely to be guessed by hackers. Remember – a strong password is your first line of defense against cybercriminals, so take the time to create unique passwords for each of your accounts and update them regularly to protect your personal information and financial data. A password manager such as NordPass plays a crucial role in assisting in the management, storage, and creation of passwords.
For even more security, consider additional measures such as the use of MFA (multi-factor authorization). This is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification to access their accounts. For more information, visit the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s website.
