"123456" emerges as most common password, can be cracked in under a second: Study

The most common password was "123456" and a hacker would probably take less than a second to crack it, as per a study conducted by NordPass, a software company that helps users organise their passwords.

Analysing a massive 6.6 Terabyte-database of stolen passwords via various malware, including Redline, Vidar, Taurus, Raccoon, Azorult, and Cryptbot, the research found alarming statistics.

"123456" was identified as the most prevalent password, securing approximately 4.5 million accounts. Following closely were "admin," found in around 4 million accounts, and "12345678," used in approximately 1.37 million accounts.

In India, "123456" was the dominant password across roughly 360,000 accounts, trailed by "admin," employed in about 120,000 accounts, according to NordPass.

The study covered data from 35 countries, analysing passwords stolen via malware. NordPass clarified that they only received statistical information from the researchers, ensuring no access to personal user data. Furthermore, they emphasised that no personal data was procured or utilised for the study.

Interestingly, the study highlighted a peculiar trend among streaming enthusiasts, indicating that they frequently used notably weak passwords to safeguard their accounts on such platforms. This pattern was observed despite evolving security technologies, signifying persistent vulnerabilities to malware threats.

NordPass strongly advised users to opt for complex passwords, recommending a minimum length of 20 characters comprising a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. They also cautioned against reusing passwords across multiple platforms, stressing that a breach in one account could compromise others.

Moreover, the company advocated for routine password assessments to enhance their strength and encouraged the use of password management tools for a safer online experience.

(With PTI Inputs)