Top 10 most common passwords |
182 Comments |
Posted by Marc Saltzman at 9:14 PM | E-mail this post
Whether we're lazy, stupid or too trusting (or a bit of all three), many computer users tend to use the same passwords for logging onto their PC, email, banking sites and social networking accounts.
PC Magazine has compiled a list of the 10 most commonly used passwords by computer users today. Some are understandable – like numbers 1, 2 and 3 (see below) – while others (such as 6 and 9) are just plain odd.
Here's the Top 10 list of most commonly used computer passwords:
1. password
2. 123456
3. qwerty
4. abc123
5. letmein
6. monkey
7. myspace 1
8. password 1
9. blink182
10. (your first name)
If you have any of these, change them immediately.
Computer experts say you shouldn't use the same password for everything because if a malicious type figures it out, they can do some serious damage, especially when it comes to online banking (uploading a picture of a pig wearing a fedora as your Facebook profile, however, is relatively harmless).
It's also recommended to use a combination of letters and numbers that would be virtually impossible to guess, such as "w8llpap6r" and refrain from writing these down on pieces of paper or in a document on your PC (e.g. mypasswords.doc).
So, which are your favourite passwords to use? Just kidding, we don’t want to know them!
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Posted by Marc Saltzman at 9:14 PM in Computers & Software
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| Comments (182)
Daryl on May 14 at 2:38 AM | Report abuse
Like the media who eagerly shared how to make the bomb used in the Oklahoma City bombing years ago, I find that your whole article is really an effort in stupidity itself.
WHY would you be so eager to tell people this information? No real good can come of this info when presented to the public. You only make it that much easier for those who want to make trouble to do so.
Are you willing to accept responsibility for this foolishness? Or do you even care? Shame on you!!!
Steve on May 14 at 7:48 AM | Report abuse
Daryl, don't be so simple minded... you think this article now opened up the minds of hackers? This is not new and those that try and want to steal your info already know all this and 10 times more.
Fernando Goncalves on May 14 at 8:28 AM | Report abuse
"Stupid is... stupid does."
Gimme a break, Steve on May 14 at 9:27 AM | Report abuse
Steve, you are the one who is being simple-minded.
You are exactly the kind of person who refuses to see the bigger picture.
This kind of information may or may not already be in the hands of malicious pigs who feel they have a right to inflict their self-entitlement and misguided egos on others.
But there are scores of would-be hackers, up and coming newbies, and any number of people to whom this information is new, and this kind of irresponsible 'journalism' only encourages them.
Gimme a break, Steve on May 14 at 9:30 AM | Report abuse
By the way, props to Daryl for his insight, and for taking the time to post his disgust. I support him completely.
(And for the inevitable cynics and scoffers out there...NO, I am not Daryl.)
Marc Saltzman on May 14 at 9:42 AM | Report abuse
Daryl, the intent of me publishing this list is so that you DON'T use these passwords because they are the most common, and thus putting yourself more at risk. I even gave tips on how to best choose a secure password. How can you perceive this as encouraging malicious behaviour?!
Marc
nully finckle on May 14 at 10:24 AM | Report abuse
Daryl, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with what you are saying because I think it is totally ludicrous. First, comparing this to how to make a bomb is just absurd, and wicked offensive to Marc and anyone that he is altering with this list. Second, if your password to your online bank is something like password 1, then I'm sorry, it's like leaving your car unlocked with the keys in it, you’re making yourself an easy target. To me it sounds like you have some stupid passwords that you should change, and I think Marc was doing you a favor by en lighting you and anyone else out there for that matter. Grow up and realize that he's doing us all a favor, and stop drawing stupid conclusions.
nully finckle on May 14 at 10:29 AM | Report abuse
Daryl, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with what you are saying because I think it is totally ludicrous. First, comparing this to how to make a bomb is just absurd, and wicked offensive to Marc and anyone that he is altering with this list. Second, if your password to your online bank is something like password 1, then I'm sorry, it's like leaving your car unlocked with the keys in it, you’re making yourself an easy target. To me it sounds like you have some stupid passwords that you should change, and I think Marc was doing you a favor by en lighting you and anyone else out there for that matter. Grow up and realize that he's doing us all a favor, and stop drawing stupid conclusions.
CJP on May 14 at 11:14 AM | Report abuse
Daryl: Grab a teddy bear and have a good cry on another forum. Marc hit the nail right on the head with this article. I'd add dumb passwords a few a Network Specialist told me: using your birthday, and using your user ID & password as the same.
loki on May 14 at 11:31 AM | Report abuse
Look folks, this list is not the first I have seen and similar lists have been used in popular media such as the movie Hackers.
This list changes with the times and is influenced by current events and prevalent social attitudes.
What really has me concerned as a computer professional is how was this list generated.
Passwords are supposed to be discreet. Does this mean that MSN, hotmail, and others are looking at my passwords?
If so, then there really is not security any way.
Ashley on May 14 at 3:32 PM | Report abuse
I've used 6 of those passwords at some point in my life
Methuselah on May 14 at 6:15 PM | Report abuse
This information is listed on-line in a multitude of places. young and coming hackers have access to this and more from their peers. It's naive to think that the media is informing the criminal element. Sadly the information about this is ancient news.
Oh and loki, where do you think your password is stored when you sign on to a network? It is stored on the server and not your computer. A Network admin has access to anything on that network, which is why you should have a different password for each account you make and why you should change your password on a regular basis. (even network admins transfer jobs) For those who have trouble remembering passwords there are handheld personal password managers (one called the mandylion) out there that store that info for you.
It's your info keep it secure.
Flash on May 15 at 8:14 AM | Report abuse
Glad Methuselah pointed out that your network administrator has the keys to your accounts. People who use "confidential" work e-mail ought to be aware of this. My e-mail at work is first read by the business manager, who then forwards it to the boss. All those comments you make about said boss, or how pissed up you got over the weekend, or what a crush you have on the guy in the next cube, somebody may be reading all this, getting a good laugh at your expense, and then busting you out when the time seems right.
Em on May 15 at 11:27 AM | Report abuse
I'm sorry, Blink182 ??
ruserious on May 15 at 11:41 AM | Report abuse
You've got to be kidding me Daryl! The only ones who should be accepting responsibilty for foolishness are the people who think they know it all, and don't want to accept it when someone experienced in that field attempts to relay some helpful information! Are you that fool who uses "password", or "qwerty" and are just angry because you are that out of the loop and don't want to accept it?
There are alot of poeple out there who really have no computer or technological knowledge and who would benefit from this article if they happen to stumble across it. As for hackers, I highly doubt that they gained any new knowledge from this article.... give your head a shake!
And comparing passwords to bombs??? WOW!
Jack on May 15 at 1:48 PM | Report abuse
If someone were to put their personal information on facebook, or something similar, then put "123456" as their password... well, screw them. They deserve it.
jb on May 15 at 2:42 PM | Report abuse
wow ... i havent read any of those comments except the first two...
but lets get serious .. anybyd with HALF of a brain .. and in most cases hackers or even newbie hackers are extremly smart ... those top 10 arent even close to what should have been put up .. i guess everybody forgets how many DUMB ppl are in this world .. and how many people lack common sense... but i do agree .. this does help newbie hackers..well ..it helps the retarded ones who dont have common sense.. so regardless .. this article was helpful .. so stop getting your pantys in a bunch relax .. the article was written with good intentions .. so stfu and get a life..
-johnny
Dale on May 15 at 2:45 PM | Report abuse
FYI, blink182 is the name of a band.
bill on May 15 at 2:52 PM | Report abuse
when will the top 10 best password list be posted? you can count me the heck in on that !
Jonathon on May 15 at 4:34 PM | Report abuse
Oh my gosh. please stop aurguing and tell us your insights!
i dont think hackers are going to flip out (ina good way) over this. they probably already know this. Also, its helping us because now we know these passwords are taboo.
Sue on May 15 at 8:09 PM | Report abuse
I say thanks! Great information for new computer users.
Ted on May 16 at 12:04 AM | Report abuse
Hell, 6 of my own pw's were on that list.
Dee on May 16 at 3:10 AM | Report abuse
I have to agree that I'm 'anti-daryl' should I say. Daryl, the movie 'the bank job' is about robbing a bank--does that mean it should be illegal because it's helping all the would-be thieves out there? no. if a hacker needs this list for help, he's not much of a hacker, is he?
J-D SENIOR LEARNING on May 16 at 4:16 AM | Report abuse
I am a new self learner & a senior and would like this info to be on hand 365 days a year there are many of us older people that are keeping the confussion of the computer as simple as possible when my oldest son relized what I was using he got rather upset with me soif I tried to use something simple to remember there must be many more that think like I used to (PLEASE DON`T REMOVE )
Willy on May 16 at 6:01 AM | Report abuse
There are so many sites that want you to join. For example Diabetes Control for Life. To join you have to make up an identification or your email address and a password. I suppose this is so the company know who and when you look at the site. But do I really care if someone else breaks the code to gain access to this site? And there are many more like this. It shouldn't need a password or code to gain entery. After a while it is necessary to keep a record of all the sites somewhere otherwise you loose the information to gain access. I deal with several financial institutions. I can't remember all the passwords and codes to gain entry to these different banks and credit card companies. I have to write it down somewhere. I do that in code as well.
Laugh on May 16 at 6:51 AM | Report abuse
Wow,
Your all pathetic
Teachr on May 16 at 7:06 AM | Report abuse
Dear Laugh,
Let the people have their fun...
and btw Your is spelled "You're"
Joel on May 16 at 7:36 AM | Report abuse
Dear Teachr
You know, teachr is , well ... spelled with two e's lol
I agree with most that the article was well written and needed to be posted. I do have one thing to say, though. It's always possible that there will be individuals who may never had any former interest in hacking passwords but might be tempted to try now. I remember as a kid watching my elementary school principal (or is it principle, teachr? lol) tell us how severely we would be punished if we made a homemade throwing star while he held one in his hand. I had no idea such a thing existed, so when I got home, guess what I did? Never-the-less, I still agree that it is a good article.
Maria on May 16 at 7:50 AM | Report abuse
I really have to disagree with people saying it's going to cause problems because people will start to try hacking. Even if I decided to go try these on people's accounts, I would have NO idea what to do once I got on them. If people really care enough to teach themselves how to hurt people online, they're going to know a lot about it and won't need this list. Did that make sense? It's early and I'm tired :D
Tonya on May 16 at 8:26 AM | Report abuse
[quote]
bill on May 15 at 2:52 PM |
when will the top 10 best password list be posted? you can count me the heck in on that !
[/quote]
Well said, Bill! :)
Stephanie on May 16 at 8:35 AM | Report abuse
abc123. I knew that one would be on there. Password for your password. is just being extremly lazzy!
Bree on May 16 at 8:37 AM | Report abuse
I thought this post was useful, especially for those who are new to the internet... online banking, email..etc.
Email your friends this, if this being posted to the public is such a concern.
Why is everyone yelling at everyone on this post?
Enjoy your lives, you only live once.
Mike Curry on May 16 at 8:46 AM | Report abuse
I am very curious how you got this information? Was it from the Sympatico user data?
Fishy on May 16 at 9:02 AM | Report abuse
hey marc, Thanks for the post. The good thing about this post is that you're getting paid to post it. Opposed to what I think I may have to say.
24T on May 16 at 9:26 AM | Report abuse
OK school is out....time to go home children and let Marc do his job, "teaching those who need help". Thanks Marc
daleernhrt8 on May 16 at 9:35 AM | Report abuse
I sort of agree that it's helpful to new computer users, but I had an 8 digit/numeric combo for my password for online banking the was #digit#digit etc. Impossible for anyone to figure out because it didn't spell anything or have and significance, So if they want in there bad enough they will regardless..
Simon Cohen on May 16 at 9:41 AM | Report abuse
@Mike Curry: As the article mentions, the list came from PC Magazine, who, I assure you, does not have access to Sympatico user information. Neither does Marc.
skelly on May 16 at 10:12 AM | Report abuse
Marc Saltzman rocks!! yay global news morning!
TOETOE on May 16 at 10:30 AM | Report abuse
YO YO YO MY NAME IS TOE!! YOU ROCK MARC SALTZMAN !!!!!!!!!!!!
Vigilante on May 16 at 10:34 AM | Report abuse
This article is only helpful for people who wouldn't even know how to set up any sort of account that would be worth while getting in to. - A very select few people who recently had their IQ shoot up to 90 might also take this information, and try to use it on say the, Facebook, MySpace, Hotmail, etc. accounts of people who may be ignorant enough to not have listened to this sort of information when it was first presented in the '80s!
Note: blink182 is dual-roll. 1. It's a band. 2. Some Websties require that you create an alphanumeric password.
Secondary Note: An example of an actually decent password would be 5m7n6k9b3d4z1...
Wendy on May 16 at 12:16 PM | Report abuse
The info is good but I do understand both sides. I think teenagers would be trying to get info on others not hackers - they pretty well wrote the book. You hire the top criminals to do the security in banks, etc. - same for computers I think. Personally I have never used any of these Top 10 - gee, makes me feel a little inadequate and totally out of the loop! But I have read many times the number letter number thing is the way to go - as for changing passwords often I have never done this - am happy I can remember the ones I have! but think I just might start! Thanks - and Good work Marc - keep keeping us informed! and I do think Blink-182 is in reference to the band but am also sure it means more than just numbers/ketters etc. - Does any one know why Blink 182 called themselves that - colour me curious! Wendy
totalidiot on May 16 at 12:20 PM | Report abuse
Guys, guys, guys. . . Vigilante is making a good start at a secure password with '5m7n6k9b3d4z1', but even this would only slow a cracker down by a couple minutes (if that).
Here's how to make it stronger (not an exhaustive list, but a basic starting point):
* Use passwords longer than 14 characters for your Windows account (doesn't apply if you're not using Windows, obviously; still, longer is better).
* Don't just use uppercase or lowercase letters - throw in a few of both.
* Alphanumeric passwords like what Vigilante suggests are relatively insecure. What is needed to make a stronger password is to include characters like spaces, punctuation (e.g., ~`!@#$%^&*()_-+=[{]};:'",/?\|), or ASCII special characters (e.g., ¡¢£¤¥§¨©ª«¬¯°±²³´). Upper ASCII is usually better (character codes over 0x7F; find Character Map in Windows and go crazy . . .). A higher level of security yet would be to use Unicode characters (again, check out Character Map, or find someone who knows how to use Unicode).
* At this point, it becomes easier for a cracker to watch you type your password in (perhaps with a keylogger program, etc.), and collect it that way . . .
Remember, there is no such thing as absolute security. If somebody has the time, inclination, and tools, he/she can find a way. Password strength is about making the job of cracking your password such a long job as to be impractical.
Cheers.
Da Cat on May 16 at 12:39 PM | Report abuse
This thread reminds me of the joke about the guy who locks his car doors and leaves the top down on his convertible.
hacker on May 16 at 12:43 PM | Report abuse
when people need to access your stuff, mostly don't need your password.
Wh0 on May 16 at 12:46 PM | Report abuse
Daryl=noob
Testada on May 16 at 12:58 PM | Report abuse
Fine! They have my password but they still need my bank card no. thats secured in my wallet?
Chris D on May 16 at 1:10 PM | Report abuse
in reply a comment made by Daryl on May 14 at 2:38 AM
Daryl you said - `I find that your whole article is really an effort in stupidity itself.
WHY would you be so eager to tell people this information? No real good can come of this info when presented to the public.'
Give the people with a brain a break would ya Darly. There are many nieve, easy going people out there. At least an article like this lets those people who have a top 10 password to have the oportunity to maybe change it before getting hacked. I thing more good will come than not from this article.
Michael on May 16 at 1:58 PM | Report abuse
Hmmmmm
As far as I can let myself understand this article - the more common a 'password' the less hacking one would have to do to gain access to multitudes of user accounts at one time...if it is the password route the hacker will take, that is.
Kudos Marc....keep it up, friend.
Frennic on May 16 at 2:08 PM | Report abuse
Simple fact of the matter is, Daryl, hackers don't wait for articles like these to be published to learn the most commonly used passwords. Even the newbies, Give Me a Break Steve.
The pair of you should try a simple Google search next time, before you post.
Go ahead, try it. See all that wonderful information that comes up? This is called 'research'. It's what intelligent people do. Believe it or not, hackers tend to be pretty smart people.
Unlike you, obviously.
Ernie on May 16 at 2:15 PM | Report abuse
I like the "change your passwords daily" approach myself :)
But, as to not being helpful, my mother(who is 75 and new to the internet) did things like this herself. To keep it easier for herself. Untill I pointed out to her that doing this is a bad idea. Kudos for the info!