These are the worst passwords in the history of computing

Cybersecurity experts have long warned about the dangers of using weak and predictable passwords, yet millions of people continue to rely on them. A new report by Safety Detectives highlights just how common these vulnerabilities are, revealing that many of the most frequently used passwords can be cracked in less than one second.

The most common passwords remain dangerously weak

Despite growing awareness about online security, users worldwide continue to choose easy-to-guess passwords that put their personal data at risk. The report analyzed a database containing compromised passwords from breaches across 44 countries. Shockingly, the most frequently used password in 2024 was “123456”, appearing over 3 million times in the dataset.

Other alarmingly common choices include “password,” “qwerty123,” and “secret.” These simple combinations remain widespread despite their well-documented security flaws. In certain countries, passwords even reflect local interests, such as “Arsenal” and “Liverpool” in the UK or “Benfica” in Portugal, making them even easier for hackers to guess.

Younger users are most at risk

Interestingly, the report found that Gen Z users are particularly vulnerable to password-related mishaps, even though they claim to understand the risks of reusing passwords. Over half of them rely solely on memory rather than password managers, increasing their exposure to cyber threats.

In contrast, baby boomers tend to create stronger passwords, use them uniquely for different accounts, and are the least likely to fall into the trap of recycling variations of the same password.

Strengthening password security is essential

While many users recognize the importance of protecting their financial accounts, fewer take the same precautions with their email and work-related accounts, leaving them susceptible to attacks. Experts stress the need for longer, unique passwords combined with password managers to ensure maximum security in an increasingly digital world.