The key 123456 remains the most used password, which puts the integrity of people’s data and sensitive information at risk, according to the cybersecurity firm ESET.
25% of the top 1,000 passwords consist only of numbers, which makes it clear that people opt for simple and even obvious credentials, to the detriment of the security of their personal and sensitive information, detailed based on reports from NordPass and Comparitech.
“One of the main conclusions that emerge from one of the reports is that the habit of using weak and predictable passwords transcends generations. No matter the age range of people: in each of the categories 123456 is at the top of the most chosen passwords to access accounts, services and online platforms,” said Camilo Gutiérrez Amaya, Head of the ESET Latin America Research Laboratory, according to a statement.
“That is, a digital native who spent most of his life in the online world adopts the same risky and unwise practice as a 70-year-old person, with, perhaps, less knowledge or who uses the cell phone only to talk on the phone or text,” he added.
The firm added that this problem also prevails in the corporate sphere, since weak passwords continue to be a constant in organizations.
“The data provided by Verizon is not surprising, indicating that 70% of data leaks in companies are due to the use of weak passwords by employees,” said Gutiérrez Amaya.
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The company recommended using a password generator to avoid weak or predictable passwords, and shared the following tips for creating custom passwords:
Length: Longer passwords create a barrier that is more difficult to penetrate. It is recommended that they be at least 12 characters.
Complexity: must include a variety of characters (uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special symbols).
Randomness: Avoid predictable patterns or obvious sequences, such as common words, people’s names, dates of birth, or strings like “123456.”
Diversity: Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts, because if one password is compromised on one account, all others that share that password are vulnerable.
Passwords most chosen by generation Z (1997-2007), according to NordPass
Millennials (1981-1996)
Generation X (1965-1980)
Baby boomers (1946-1964)
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