Millions using ‘123456’ as password: Study
Team Udayavani, Apr 21, 2019, 11:42 AM IST
London: Millions of people are still using easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” and “qwerty” on sensitive accounts, a study has found.
The analysis by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) uncovered the gaps in cyber-knowledge that may leave people in danger of being exploited.
The NCSC said people should string three random but memorable words together to use as a strong password.
For its first cyber-survey, the NCSC analysed public databases of breached accounts to see which words, phrases and strings people used, the BBC reported.
Top of the list was 123456, appearing in more than 23 million passwords. The second-most popular string, 123456789, was not much harder to crack, while others in the top five included “qwerty”, “password” and 1111111.
The most common name to be used in passwords was Ashley, followed by Michael, Daniel, Jessica and Charlie, the report found.
When it comes to Premier League football teams in guessable passwords, Liverpool are champions and Chelsea are second. Blink-182 topped the charts of music acts.
People who use well-known words or names for a password put themselves people at risk of being hacked, said Ian Levy, technical director of the NCSC.
“Nobody should protect sensitive data with something that can be guessed, like their first name, local football team or favourite band,” he said.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Study shows how brain chemicals control eating, could help develop improved obesity drugs
‘Faster walkers’ had significantly lower risk of diabetes, hypertension: Study
World Meditation Day 2024: Celebrating inner peace and well-being
Virus causing gut infections could play role in development of Alzheimer’s: Study
Air pollution linked to more hospitalisations for all causes, mental illness too, study finds
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Uttar Pradesh: Vehicle rams into ambulance carrying bodies of suspected Khalistani terrorists
Case filed in Pilibhit over Pannun threatening violence at Maha Kumbh
Vajpayee architect of India’s transition into 21st century: PM Modi
‘Basappa’ the bull embarks on pilgrimage to Sabarimala!
Belekeri Mining Case: High Court stays sentence against Congress MLA Satish Sail
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.