The new list of most popular passwords includes some old favorites and some surprising newcomers.
SplashData, a company specializing in security and productivity applications, has again released its annual list of the most popular passwords in the world. Each year, SplashData compiles the list from millions of passwords posted online by hackers. The purpose of the list is to help people see how their password is vulnerable, and then choose a safer one. Alongside the data, the company released a few simple tips for making a more secure password. Raising awareness is really part of the solution to online security, and SplashData is doing their part.
The purpose of the list is plain: to get you to call your parents and loved ones. It’s not uncommon for the more tech-inclined to have to help our families with problems brought on by terrible password choices. By sharing this list with them you’ll save yourself the inevitable heartache of helping a family member who’s suddenly having all manner of financial and computer troubles.
Without further ado, The Worst Passwords of 2012, along with their change in rank from last year:
1. password (Unchanged)
2. 123456 (Unchanged)
3. 12345678 (Unchanged)
4. abc123 (Up 1)
5. qwerty (Down 1)
6. monkey (Unchanged)
7. letmein (Up 1)
8. dragon (Up 2)
9. 111111 (Up 3)
10. baseball (Up 1)
11. iloveyou (Up 2)
12. trustno1 (Down 3)
13. 1234567 (Down 6)
14. sunshine (Up 1)
15. master (Down 1)
16. 123123 (Up 4)
17. welcome (New)
18. shadow (Up 1)
19. ashley (Down 3)
20. football (Up 5)
21. jesus (New)
22. michael (Up 2)
23. ninja (New)
24. mustang (New)
25. password1 (New)
I really just want you all to celebrate with me: “Dragon” gained two points this year. I expect we have Skyrim to thank for that.
Source: PRWeb
