It’s 2025, and yet, here we are—still dealing with passwords like “123456” and “qwerty.” Folks, we need to talk. Weak passwords are like leaving your front door wide open with a sign that says, “Help yourself!” If cybercriminals had a comedy club, bad passwords would be their headline act. So let’s dive into the worst offenders, have a good laugh, and then (seriously) talk about how to keep your digital life secure.
The Hall of Shame: Weakest Passwords Ever
Let’s start with a roll call of the absolute worst passwords humanity insists on using. Every year, companies like NordPass publish lists of the most commonly hacked passwords. Spoiler alert: they’re embarrassingly bad.
- 123456 – Ah, the classic. Easy to type, and even easier to guess.
- password – Really? Did you even try?
- qwerty – For when your creativity ends at your keyboard layout.
- 111111 – Because why stop at just one number?
- iloveyou – Sweet sentiment, terrible security.
- letmein – Hackers: “Don’t mind if I do!”
- monkey – A puzzlingly popular choice. Why?
If you’re guilty of using any of these, it’s okay. This is a judgment-free zone (kind of). But seriously, it’s time to level up.
Why Weak Passwords Are a Hacker’s Dream
Hackers love weak passwords because they’re easy to crack. Tools like brute force algorithms and dictionary attacks can guess common passwords in seconds. According to CSO Online, a simple password like “123456” can be cracked in under a second. Yikes!
From Laughable to Lock-Tight: Tips for Hacker-Proof Passwords
It’s time to retire the “password123s” of the world. Here’s how to create credentials that would make even the sneakiest hacker throw in the towel:
1. Go Long and Strong
Aim for at least 12 characters. The longer, the better.
Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Example: G1r@ffeB!scu1ts
2. Avoid the Obvious
No names, birthdays, or “iloveyou” nonsense. Hackers love predictability.
3. Use a Password Manager
Tools like LastPass or Dashlane can generate and store complex passwords for you. (And no, “LastPass123” is not an option.)
4. Don’t Recycle
Using the same password everywhere is like using one key for every door in your life. If one gets stolen, they all do.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Think of 2FA as your digital bodyguard. Even if someone cracks your password, they’ll need a second form of verification to get in. Learn more about implementing 2FA with TrevNet Media’s security solutions.
Bonus: Test Your Password’s Strength
Want to see how your password stacks up? Use tools like How Secure Is My Password to find out how long it would take a hacker to crack it. Spoiler alert: if it’s “password123,” the answer is milliseconds.
Let’s Keep It Real: Password Best Practices
We get it, managing passwords can feel like a chore. But keeping your online life secure is worth it. Here’s a quick recap:
- Create long, unique passwords for every account.
- Use a password manager to keep things organized.
- Enable 2FA wherever possible.
- Stay vigilant and update your passwords regularly.
And remember, a strong password isn’t just about keeping hackers out; it’s about protecting everything you value online.
Secure Your Site with TrevNet Media
Need help locking down your website? At TrevNet Media, we’re all about keeping your digital presence secure. From SSL certificates to advanced security measures, we’ve got your back. Contact us to get a conversation going.