A new report by NordPass for 2024 highlights a disturbing trend in the persistence of weak password habits, posing significant cybersecurity risks for computer users.
At a Glance
- NordPass released a list of the 200 most common passwords for the sixth year.
- The most popular password, “123456,” tops the list again, highlighting poor security awareness.
- 78% of common passwords can be cracked in less than a second.
- Adopting complex passwords and multi-factor authentication is essential for improved security.
- Major tech companies are promoting the shift to passkeys for enhanced protection.
The Alarming State of Password Security
NordPass’s recent report continues to shed light on the troubling state of password security. The analysis, conducted alongside NordStellar, utilized a 2.5TB database of stolen passwords from public sources, providing a stark reminder of ongoing vulnerabilities. This extensive research included passwords stolen by malware and from data breaches, aligning with previous discoveries. Such predictable passwords permit easy infiltration of accounts, jeopardizing users’ private information.
The persistent presence of “123456” further signifies a critical lack of strong password hygiene, complementing findings that many passwords can be instantly cracked by hackers using automated software. This vulnerability underscores a pressing need for change. Shockingly, despite years of cybersecurity awareness campaigns, improvements in public password habits remain minimal, as echoed in NordPass’s analysis of data over six years.
Impact on Users and Corporations
Passwords such as “123456789,” “qwerty,” and “iloveyou” are also disturbingly popular, revealing a lack of adaptation among users toward more sophisticated password practices. In both personal and corporate environments, these insecure passwords pose significant threats. NordPass chose to include a report on corporate password usage for the first time, revealing disturbing similarities to personal password trends, with “123456” leading both lists.
“78% of the world’s most common passwords can be cracked in less than a second, which yet again reminds us to avoid popular words or keyword combinations in passwords.”
This repetitive vulnerability demonstrates the universal challenge of altering password habits across sectors. Users are encouraged to adopt complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication, which significantly elevates account protection against unauthorized access.
Evolving Towards Safer Alternatives
A decisive shift towards alternative authentication methods is essential to counteract these weaknesses. NordPass recommends utilizing advanced solutions like passkeys as safer, long-term alternatives to conventional passwords. Major companies, including Google, Amazon, and Apple, are promoting passkeys, introducing cryptographic methods for user access that emphasize heightened security protocols.
“After analyzing 6 years’ worth of data, we can say there hasn’t been much improvement in people’s password habits,” NordPass notes. “So, despite many organizations’ efforts to spread awareness, the problem is still as prevalent as ever.”
Effective password management frequently involves embracing technology solutions like password managers, which facilitate the secure storage and use of complex passwords. As cybersecurity continues to evolve, emphasizing the significance of password security remains a collective responsibility, with both educational initiatives and technology innovations playing pivotal roles.
