Cyber Security: 25 Worst Passwords of 2011 [Study]
If the word password stands as the password between your online information and cyber criminals, you are the most vulnerable person to be hacked. Yes, it is the worst password one can possibly choose, according to a study.
Password management application provider SplashData has released its annual list of worst internet passwords. The list includes Password, 123456 and, weirdly, monkey among the 25 worst passwords of the year.
The list was prepared from files containing millions of stolen passwords posted online by hackers. It also included series of contiguous numbers or letters on the keyboard like qwerty and 123456, and common names like ashley and Michael.
Below is the complete list of 25 worst passwords of 2011.
1. password
2. 123456
3.12345678
4. qwerty
5. abc123
6. monkey
7. 1234567
8. letmein
9. trustno1
10. dragon
11. baseball
12. 111111
13. iloveyou
14. master
15. sunshine
16. ashley
17. bailey
18. passw0rd
19. shadow
20. 123123
21. 654321
22. superman
23. qazwsx
24. michael
25. football
If any businesses and consumers are using any of the passwords given in the list, they are urged to change them as soon as possible by SplashData CEO Morgan Slain.
Hackers can easily break into many accounts just by repeatedly trying common passwords, Mashable quoted Slain as saying. Even though people are encouraged to select secure, strong passwords, many people continue to choose weak, easy-to-guess ones, placing themselves at risk from fraud and identity theft.
SplashData has also provided a few tips to help choose secure passwords.
1. Vary different types of characters in your passwords; include numbers, letters and special characters when possible.
2. Choose passwords of eight characters or more. Separate short words with spaces or underscores.
3. Don't use the same password and username combination for multiple websites. Use an online password manager to keep track of your different accounts.
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