Your password in an app is a good indication that you value your privacy and security. If it's weak, you could risk losing or exposing your confidential data to hackers.
In today's digital age, millions are at risk of cyber attacks due to easily crackable passwords. With numerous online accounts to manage, many of us fall into the trap of choosing simple, memorable passwords and reusing them across multiple services. However, poor password choices can have severe consequences, as Kaspersky tells users.
Easy-to-Guess Passwords Can Be Hacked in Just a Minute
According to cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky, hackers made over 32 million attempts to crack personal passwords in 2023, and this number continues to rise. We previously covered the most common passwords used by the majority of individuals across the globe.
Shockingly, research shows that nearly 45% of passwords can be hacked in under 60 seconds. This is a scary reality that we face in this tech-driven society.
Common Password Mistakes
According to Mirror, one major issue is the prevalence of simple, easily guessable passwords.
Many people use common phrases like "password" or sequential number combinations such as "123456." This is wrong on all levels since they are easy to crack.
Kaspersky's analysis also revealed that many passwords include dictionary words, significantly reducing their strength. Additionally, using personal names makes it easier for cybercriminals to breach accounts.
Common Weak Passwords:
- Names: "ahmed," "nguyen," "kumar," "kevin," "daniel"
- Popular Words: "forever," "love," "google," "hacker," "gamer"
- Generic Passwords: "password," "qwerty12345," "admin," "12345," "team"
It's important to know that even a 15-word password is susceptible to hacking so as much as possible, make it hard to guess.
Creating Stronger Passwords
To enhance your online security, you can take simple steps to make your passwords stronger and harder to steal.
Adding numbers, capital letters, and symbols can do the trick. This simple tactic can help improve your password strength. If your password is johnsmith, you can make it slightly complicated by making it j0hnSm!th. This way, cybercriminals will lose their heads first before arriving at the correct password.
Kaspersky's Tips for Secure Passwords
- Avoid Easily Guessable Information: Do not use passwords that can be easily derived from your personal information, such as birthdays, family member names, or pet names.They are usually the go-to choices for the hackers.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): While not directly related to password strength, 2FA adds an extra layer of security. For instance, a stranger may know your password, but he can't open your account if it needs your online approval first.
- Use a Password Manager: Memorizing long, unique passwords for all your services is nearly impossible. Password managers allow you to remember just one master password. There are numerous free and premium options available, with Apple, Samsung, and Google offering integrated solutions.
- Use Unique Passwords for Each Platform: If you have a Facebook, Instagram, or X account, make sure to use a unique password for each of them. This way, if the hacker guesses your password right, he can't open your other accounts.
Weak passwords are both a liability and a vulnerability in online security. Your goal is to secure your data so what you should do is to create a complex password. You can write it on a piece of paper in case you forget about it. It's an effective way to achieve a stress-free use of apps since you will have no worries about your personal protection.
