NordPass, in its sixth annual Top 200 Most Common Passwords report, has revealed the widespread use of weak passwords across 44 countries, including India. Unsurprisingly, the password “123456” tops the list globally and in India, with over 76,000 Indian users opting for it among 3 million worldwide. Another common choice, “123456789,” is the second most-used password globally and ranks fourth in India.
The study, conducted with NordStellar, highlights that nearly half of the world’s most common passwords rely on simple keyboard patterns such as “qwerty,” “123456789,” and “1q2w3e4r5t.” Indian users also follow this trend, sometimes adding a cultural touch, like using “Indya123” instead of “India123.” Other frequent choices in India include “password,” “admin,” and “abcd1234.”
Passwords That Are Easy to Crack
Security experts have long warned against using such easily guessable passwords. According to the report, 78% of the world’s most common passwords can be cracked in less than a second—a rise from 70% the previous year. Notably, many corporate users stick with default passwords like “admin,” “temppass,” and “welcome,” posing significant security risks.
Reusing passwords for personal and work accounts is another common practice, further increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks.
Tips for Safer Password Practices
To secure online accounts, experts recommend the following:
- Use strong passwords: Opt for at least 20-character combinations of random numbers, letters, and symbols.
- Avoid reusing passwords: Ensure each account has a unique password.
- Enable multi-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Use password managers: These tools help generate and store complex passwords.
Top 10 Most Used Passwords in India
- 123456
- password
- 12345678
- 123456789
- abcd1234
- 12345
- qwerty123
- 1234567890
- india123
- 1qaz@wsx
Global Password Trends
Globally, passwords like “123456,” “password,” and “qwerty” dominate the list. Common choices such as “iloveyou” and “dragon” also make frequent appearances.
The report underscores the pressing need for stronger password habits to combat the growing threat of cyber intrusions.
