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Did you know? The most common password is ‘123456’
Yes, millions of users worldwide choose the identical sequence that they may use to test a keyboard or create a temporary account.
A secure password is your first line of defense. Make it count! Photo Credit: Getty Images
It is quite interesting that “123456” remains one of the most widely used passwords worldwide in a time when digital security is more crucial than ever. Yes, millions of users worldwide choose the identical sequence that they may use to test a keyboard or create a temporary account.
Why is this important? Because in a neighbourhood where robbers are common, entering a password this simple is akin to leaving your front door unlocked. When the simplest guess works 23 million times—yes, that is how many accounts were discovered using “123456” in a recent study—cybercriminals don’t require advanced hacking techniques.
The Psychology Behind Simple Passwords
Why do so many people choose weak passwords like this? It comes down to convenience. Remembering distinct passwords for every account can be a mental burden in a world when the average person oversees more than 100 online accounts. Users tend towards simplicity rather than intricate combinations. Unfortunately, the price for that convenience is substantial.
Overconfidence is another cause. Many users think hackers won’t target them since their accounts are not valuable enough. Think again, though, because once a cybercriminal has access to one account, they can use it to compromise other accounts, which could result in identity theft or financial loss.
Why ‘123456’ Is a Hacker’s Dream
Easy targets for brute-force attacks include simple passwords like “123456” or its near relatives “password,” “qwerty,” and “111111.” Brute-force assaults are automated programs that repeatedly attempt every conceivable combination until they are successful. Additionally, these passwords are the first to be cracked because they are at the top of every hacker’s list.
Hackers may not even need to guess in certain situations. Millions of login credentials are frequently made public by massive data breaches, and weak passwords are doubly vulnerable because they frequently show up in several breaches.
How to Secure Your Accounts
It’s time to upgrade your password game. Here’s how:
Use a Password Manager – Let it generate and store complex passwords for you.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Add an extra layer of security.
Create Passphrases – Combine random words, symbols, and numbers.
Remember, a strong password might take a few extra seconds to set up, but it can save you from hours of stress—and potentially thousands of dollars—in the long run.
Don’t let “123456” be your digital downfall!
