NordPass has released its sixth annual Top 200 Most Common Passwords report, shedding light on the widespread use of weak passwords across 44 countries, including India. The findings reveal that millions of users continue to rely on predictable and insecure passwords, with “123456” leading the list globally and in India. More than 76,000 Indian users reportedly use this password, out of a staggering 3 million worldwide. Similarly, “123456789” is the second most-used password globally and ranks fourth in India.
Weak Password Trends in India
The study, conducted in collaboration with NordStellar, highlights a troubling reliance on simple and predictable keyboard patterns, such as “qwerty,” “123456789,” and “1q2w3e4r5t.” Indian users often follow global trends but occasionally add cultural nuances, such as using “Indya123” in place of “India123.” Other commonly used passwords in India include “password,” “admin,” and “abcd1234,” which are alarmingly easy to guess.
Alarming Password Vulnerability
The report emphasizes the risk posed by these weak passwords. It notes that 78% of the most commonly used passwords worldwide can be cracked in under a second, up from 70% last year. Corporate users are particularly vulnerable, as many continue to use default or generic passwords such as “admin,” “temppass,” and “welcome,” leaving organizational systems exposed to cyber threats. Additionally, the practice of reusing passwords across personal and professional accounts further increases the risk of security breaches.
Tips for Strengthening Password Security
To combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, security experts recommend the following measures:
- Create strong passwords: Use combinations of random letters, numbers, and symbols with a minimum length of 20 characters.
- Avoid reusing passwords: Use unique passwords for every account to limit vulnerabilities.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Leverage password managers: These tools can generate and securely store complex passwords, making them easy to manage.
Top 10 Most Used Passwords in India
Here’s a snapshot of the most common passwords in India from the report:
- 123456
- password
- 12345678
- 123456789
- abcd1234
- 12345
- qwerty123
- 1234567890
- india123
- 1qaz@wsx
Global Password Patterns
Globally, weak passwords like “123456,” “password,” and “qwerty” remain dominant. Some quirky choices, such as “iloveyou” and “dragon,” also make recurring appearances, reflecting a blend of sentimentality and simplicity.
The Need for Change
The report underscores the critical need for stronger password habits to combat the growing threat of cyber intrusions. With the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks rising, weak passwords are a glaring vulnerability that can be easily addressed. By adopting robust password practices and leveraging modern tools like password managers, individuals and organizations can significantly enhance their online security.
