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The notorious "123456" reigns supreme as the most commonly used password, dominating this dubious distinction for five out of the past six years, according to NordPass' annual analysis.
In today's digital labyrinth, passwords serve as keys to everything—from bank accounts and social platforms to streaming services and even intelligent appliances like smart refrigerators. However, juggling an ever-expanding roster of passwords, while ensuring they are distinct and secure, presents a formidable challenge for many.
For the sixth consecutive year, NordPass, a prominent online password manager, has revealed its list of the 200 most prevalent passwords—those that should be eschewed due to their vulnerability to rapid "cracking" by hackers.
How Was This List Compiled?
To curate its rankings, NordPass joined forces with NordSteller, a threat exposure management entity. Together, they analyzed an extensive 2.5 terabytes of data spanning 44 nations, sourced from publicly accessible repositories, including dark web troves. This study scrutinized credentials compromised by malware or exposed during data breaches. Importantly, no personal data was evaluated during this process.
Top 50 Most Common Passwords
NordPass analyzed 2.5 terabits of data from 44 countries, extracted from publicly-available sources, to create its list of Top 200 Most Common Passwords. These are the top 50.
The table shows the top 50 most commonly used passwords, as assessed by NordPass, an online password manager.
Ranking | Password | Time to crack | Number of times counted |
|---|---|---|---|
Ranking 1 | Password 123456 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 3,018,050 |
Ranking 2 | Password 123456789 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 1,625,135 |
Ranking 3 | Password 12345678 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 884,740 |
Ranking 4 | Password password | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 692,151 |
Ranking 5 | Password qwerty123 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 642,638 |
Ranking 6 | Password qwerty1 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 583,630 |
Ranking 7 | Password 111111 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 459,730 |
Ranking 8 | Password 12345 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 395,573 |
Ranking 9 | Password secret | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 363,491 |
Ranking 10 | Password 123123 | Time to crack < 1 second | Number of times counted 351,576 |
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The 50 Most Common Passwords – Are You Using One?
Across the 44 countries surveyed, the following list represents the top 50 frequently used passwords, many of which can be breached in less than a second.
If your go-to password is "123456," it might be time to reconsider your digital security habits.
NordPass has documented that this simplistic six-digit numeric code has consistently held the unenviable title of "most common password," even surpassing the predictable "password."
Creating Fortified Passwords: A Guide
To fortify your online presence, NordPass advocates crafting passwords that span a minimum of 20 characters, even on platforms requiring as few as eight. Robust passwords should incorporate an eclectic mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numerals, and special symbols like %, !, and @. Avoid relying on easily discernible details such as names, birthdays, or everyday words.
Equally crucial: refrain from reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
Securing Passwords: Best Practices
The United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre champions password managers, such as NordPass, as the optimal solution for safeguarding passwords. These tools securely store credentials on personal devices, streamlining the process of generating and remembering passwords for various accounts.
Alternatively, many web browsers offer password-saving functionalities. Utilizing this feature is generally safe, provided it is confined to personal devices.
In the era of ubiquitous connectivity, safeguarding your digital footprint begins with one simple yet powerful step: upgrading your passwords to ensure they withstand even the most sophisticated attempts at infiltration.