Discover the Most Hacked Passwords of 2024: Is Yours on the List?

In late January, Specops Software released a study on password security, analyzing one billion stolen passwords to identify the most vulnerable ones to avoid.
The Need for a Strong Password
As an internet user, setting up an online account often comes with the challenge of choosing a password. The temptation to keep it simple is strong, but such a choice can prove costly. A recent report from Specops, a password security software company, highlights the dangers of this practice.
One Billion Passwords Analyzed
In its latest annual cybersecurity report, Specops analyzed one billion stolen passwords over the past year to pinpoint the most frequently hacked ones. Predictably, the simplest passwords were the most compromised:
123456 (3.7 million times)
admin (1.9 million times)
12345678 (1.5 million times)
password (558,000 times)
Password (474,000 times)
Complex Passwords Also Hacked
The report also reveals that passwords deemed “complex” are not immune to breaches. Of the over one billion stolen passwords, 230 million met “standard complexity requirements” but were still hacked.
“Despite decades of security training and awareness, people continue to use weak passwords. It’s human nature to take the path of least resistance,” notes Specops in the report.
How to Protect Against Hacking
How can we safeguard ourselves against these risks? Specops advises the creation of a “personal dictionary” to exclude overly obvious passwords, a particularly effective strategy for businesses often guilty of using predictable passwords like “admin”, “welcome”, or “password”.
Mnemonic devices can also help create and remember more complex passwords. For instance, the phrase “I bought 10 CDs for hundred euros this afternoon” can be turned into “ght10CD%E7am”, a much safer password. The security of your online accounts hinges on the robustness of your passwords. Do not underestimate their complexity.