Passwords to Avoid at All Costs

According to NordPass, the aspiring password manager has released its yearly report highlighting the most frequently used passwords globally, and the pattern is quite uninspired. '123456' has dominated the top spot for the second consecutive year.

This sequence of numbers has led the rankings in five out of six years NordPass has been compiling its data, with 'password' briefly ousting it in 2022. Beyond predictable sequences like 'QWERTY,' 'ABC,' and numerical orders, the list offers a glimpse into the simplistic mindset behind what should be personal security lines.

Some users opt for emotive passwords like 'iloveyou,' while others choose more antagonistic phrases such as 'fuckyou.' Additionally, some people incorporate personal interests like 'pokemon,' 'naruto,' or brand names like 'samsung' and 'minecraft.' Common names like 'michelle' or 'ashley' also make the cut, although a few attempt what they believe to be clever creations like 'P@ssw0rd,' which, unfortunately, hackers can breach almost instantly.

Global Trends in Password Choices

It was intriguing to note the minor variations in password preferences across different nations. In the UK, for example, 'liverpool' is a recurrent favorite, while Australians frequently favor 'lizottes,' previously a restaurant and music venue, now rebranded as Flamingos Live. Other countries such as Finland and Hungary feature words like 'salasana' and 'jelszo,' both meaning 'password' in their native languages.

NordPass compiled its list using a vast database of 2.5TB derived from 'publicly accessible sources,' including material from the darker corners of the web. Should your password appear among this list, it's prudent to consider a switch to something more inventive than the ubiquitous 'secret.'

The following passwords represent the top ten most commonly used across the globe, necessitating stronger, more secure alternatives.