The Internet is one of the most useful tools that has ever been invented. Unfortunately, it also comes with its share of risks.
Major cyber security threats exist in the form of hackers who prey upon Internet users, and they often congregate on the dark web. We’ve put together a list of the 20 most common passwords that hackers have access to, so it’s in your best interest to avoid using any of them.
Let’s take a look.
What Exactly Is the Dark Web?
Although the name might sound intimidating, the dark web isn’t an inherently dangerous place. In its simplest form, the region of the Internet known as the dark web (and sometimes the “deep web”) is simply a section of the Internet that is not indexed by Google.
This means that you can’t find websites on the dark web within typical search results. In fact, you need to use a specialized browser in order to access any of this information.
Due to the extra layers of security, though, the dark web is an area where cybercriminals gather to communicate with each other and offer services. One of the most prominent services is the selling of compromised passwords.
Criminals will use this platform to purchase passwords in bulk and attempt to use them to hack into different types of accounts.
What Are the 20 Most Common Compromised Passwords?
Although some of the passwords on this list are exactly what you might expect, there are some that may surprise you. This is due to the fact that these are the most commonly compromised passwords, not the most commonly used passwords.
These include:
- 111111
- stratfor
- lemonfish
- sunshine
- 123123123
- 1234567890
- Password123
- 123123
- 1234567
- 123456
- password
- 12345678
- 12341234
- 1asdasdasdasd
- Qwerty123
- Password1
- 123456789
- Qwerty1
- :12345678secret
- Abc123
If you notice that your password is listed above, is essential that you change it immediately. Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time until your account(s) becomes compromised.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take in order to prevent this.
How Can I Keep My Password Better Protected?
Keeping your passwords safeguarded is relatively easy. But, most people are unaware of the methods that they should use.
Listed below are a few of the most useful that you should keep in mind. Let’s dive in.
Use a Password Manager
A password manager is an application that can be used to store the passwords to various different accounts and platforms. Although this sounds inherently dangerous since you will keep all of your passwords in one place, you also need an additional password to encrypt this information.
So, you will initially use a password to log in to your password manager. From here, you can view the passwords that you have for your accounts.
A password manager allows you to generate a high-strength password, as well. This is most often a series of obscure words, letters, or numbers.
Since you will save this information within your password manager, however, you won’t need to remember it on your own.
Work With an IT Professional
It should come as no surprise that working with a qualified IT professional is one of the most important obligations your business has. A notable benefit is a capability for your provider to actively monitor your network.
This means that they will immediately notice a data breach and can take the necessary action to resolve this issue. Additionally, they are equipped with the most contemporary software and hardware to help them fulfill this role.
Keep this in mind when coming up with ways to boost the overall security of your company.
Use Unique Passwords for Every Platform
As you might expect, it’s essential that you use a unique password for each different platform or account. Otherwise, a single incident could result in the compromise of a large amount of sensitive information.
This is particularly true if you happen to use the same password for highly-lucrative data, such as your email account, bank account, etc.
Fortunately, the aforementioned use of a password manager will allow you to easily come up with unique passwords for any number of different accounts.
Don’t Use Personal Information
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is using personal information within their passwords. This is particularly concerning if this information can be cross-referenced with other data that these individuals frequently and put into forms.
For example, including things like your birthday, name, address, etc. into your password is something that hackers can easily discover. But, this doesn’t mean that other forms of personal information are always safe.
Somebody who knows you in real life may understand enough about you to guess your password. This is especially true for those who tend to use the name of a pet or child.
Never Put Numbers in Order
Sometimes, hackers use a technique known as “brute force hacking.” This essentially aims to try as many different passwords as possible in order to find the right one.
Depending on how the program they use works, it may begin guessing passwords in order. To elaborate, there may be a scenario where consecutive guesses include things like the following:
- Hello111
- Hello112
- Hello113
- Hello114
- Hello115
As you can see, your information will be far safer if you never put numbers in order. This list will eventually reach “Hello123”, which could very easily be a password someone has chosen.
Managing This Cyber Security Threat Can Seem Difficult
The information listed above will help you do so seamlessly, however. From here, you can ensure that this is cyber security concern does not affect you in the future.
Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to reach out to us today and see how we can help.
