The Usual Suspects: ‘123456’ and ‘password’
It’s 2024, but the most common passwords are still shockingly simple. Despite numerous warnings, many continue to use passwords like ‘123456’ or ‘password’. These are the digital equivalents of leaving your front door unlocked.
Keyboard Patterns: Not as Clever as You Think
Many people use keyboard patterns like ‘qwerty’ or ‘1q2w3e’ as passwords. While they might seem clever and easy to remember, they are also easy for hackers to guess. Break the pattern this year, and opt for something less predictable.
Fido is Not a Great Password
We all love our pets, but using their names as passwords is not the safest choice, especially if you’re sharing adorable photos of them along with their names on social media. Challenge yourself to be more creative with your password choices.
The Dangers of Stale Passwords
Did you know that on average, people don’t change their passwords for years? Using the same password for an extended period is like having an old lock on your door – it gets easier to break over time. Use today as a reminder to refresh your passwords regularly.
Avoid the Birthday Trap
Many of us use personal dates like birthdays as passwords. However, with only 365 days in a year, these are more guessable than you might think. Mix it up! Your password should be a unique celebration, not just a date on the calendar.
As we wrap up, just remember: your passwords are the keys to your digital home. Treat them with care, and they’ll keep your online world secure. This Data Protection Day, let’s make a small change with big impact – by giving our passwords the attention they deserve.
