As Nerds, we know the importance of internet security all too well. When you use the internet for personal or important tasks such as online banking, purchases, or paying bills, it is crucial to use a strong password that can not easily be guessed or assumed by hackers or those with malicious intent. SplashData has released their fifth annual chart of the internet’s worst passwords. With the most widely used codes people use to protect their personal information online being “password” and “123456” it may be time to beef up your security against possible threats.
It is unfortunate that people use such simple and easily guessed passwords, but it is also clear that the list of worst passwords is heavily influenced by pop culture. The new additions to the list for 2015 include terms such as “solo”, “princess”, and “starwars” while classics such as “football” and “baseball” remain on the list of the most used passwords. To create a strong password, try using a free service that will help you create a powerful combination of letters and numbers that nobody would ever guess. LastPass is a good place to start searching for a stronger password to protect yourself and your identity online. If you see one of your passwords on this list, it is time to make a change and start protecting yourself from the real dangers that lurk in the shadows of the internet.
|
Rank |
Password |
Change from 2014 |
|
1 |
123456 |
Unchanged |
|
2 |
password |
Unchanged |
|
3 |
12345678 |
Up 1 |
|
4 |
qwerty |
Up 1 |
|
5 |
12345 |
Down 2 |
|
6 |
123456789 |
Unchanged |
|
7 |
football |
Up 3 |
|
8 |
1234 |
Down 1 |
|
9 |
1234567 |
Up 2 |
|
10 |
baseball |
Down 2 |
|
11 |
welcome |
New |
|
12 |
1234567890 |
New |
|
13 |
abc123 |
Up 1 |
|
14 |
111111 |
Up 1 |
|
15 |
1qaz2wsx |
New |
|
16 |
dragon |
Down 7 |
|
17 |
master |
Up 2 |
|
18 |
monkey |
Down 6 |
|
19 |
letmein |
Down 6 |
|
20 |
login |
New |
|
21 |
princess |
New |
|
22 |
qwertyuiop |
New |
|
23 |
solo |
New |
|
24 |
passw0rd |
New |
|
25 |
starwars |
New |
These common passwords are extremely weak and leave those who use them vulnerable to hackers who would use their login information to extract personal information or funds from the victim. The Nerds from Nerds on Call always recommend a strong password so that you can feel safe when you are using username and password combinations in several spots all around the web.
About The Author: Andrea Eldridge is CEO and co-founder of Nerds On Call, a computer repair company that specializes in on-site and online service for homes and businesses. Andrea is the writer of a weekly column, Nerd Chick Adventures in The Record Searchlight. She prepares TV segments for and appears regularly on CBS, CW and FOX on shows such as Good Day Sacramento, More Good Day Portland, and CBS 13 News, offering viewers technology and lifestyle tips. See Andrea in action at callnerds.com/andrea/.
