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Study Warns: 94% of Passwords Reused, Millions Use Weak Ones

Millions of users put themselves at risk with weak, easily guessable passwords. From '123456' to music acts and names, the most common passwords leave accounts vulnerable to hackers.

A picture of keyboard keys. On this black key we can see a logo of an apple product.
A picture of keyboard keys. On this black key we can see a logo of an apple product.

Study Warns: 94% of Passwords Reused, Millions Use Weak Ones

A recent study reveals alarming trends in online password security. Fewer than half of users employ a strong, unique password for their main email account, while millions use easily guessable ones. The US cybersecurity agency CISA warns that 94% of passwords are reused, leaving billions of accounts vulnerable.

Picking a robust password is considered the 'single biggest control' individuals have over their online security. However, only 15% of people feel confident in their knowledge about online security. The most common password, '123456', appears in over 23 million passwords. Other easily guessable passwords include '123456789', 'qwerty', 'password', and '11111111'.

Music acts and names also pose risks. Blink-182 tops the list of music acts used in passwords, while 'Ashley', 'Michael', 'Daniel', 'Jessica', and 'Charlie' are the most common names. Even passwords related to Premier League football teams, with Liverpool and Chelsea leading the list, can be problematic.

The widespread use of weak, easily guessable passwords puts millions at risk of being hacked. CISA's warning highlights the urgent need for individuals to adopt strong, unique passwords and for better password security education. Stronger online security practices can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

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