By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
It was a normal Tuesday morning when Priya Sharma (name changed), a 34-year-old marketing executive, received an alarming email. “Your account has been compromised. Click here to reset your password.”
At first glance, it seemed legitimate, but something felt off. Just last week, her colleague had faced a similar issue—losing access to her email, social media, and even her bank account within hours.
Priya hesitated, then logged into her accounts separately. To her horror, she was locked out of her main email. Panic set in. How did this happen? She had always assumed her accounts were safe. That’s when she remembered—her password was “123456.”
The Danger of Familiarity
Like Priya, millions of people use passwords that are easy to remember but dangerously simple. A recent study by KnownHost reveals that some of the most commonly used passwords—like “123456” and “password”—have appeared in over 120 million data breaches. Shockingly, “123456” alone has been compromised more than 50 million times.
Despite the rising awareness of cyber threats, people still prioritize convenience over security. Whether it’s for online shopping, social media, or banking, users often recycle the same weak passwords across multiple platforms. This makes them easy targets for cybercriminals, who rely on automated tools to crack weak passwords within seconds.
Why Do People Still Use Weak Passwords?
Cybersecurity experts have long warned about password hygiene, yet many continue to ignore best practices. But why?
- Too Many Accounts: The average internet user has over 100 online accounts. Remembering unique passwords for each one feels impossible.
- Convenience Over Security: Typing in a long, complex password every time can be frustrating, leading people to opt for easy-to-remember choices.
- False Sense of Security: Many believe they won’t be targeted by hackers, if cybercriminals only go after high-profile individuals or companies.
- Lack of Awareness: Some simply don’t understand the real risks of weak passwords—until they fall victim to a breach.
The Most Hackable Passwords
If you recognize your password on this list, it’s time for an urgent update. The KnownHost study found that the below ten passwords are the most leaked in cyberattacks:
123456
123456789
1234
12345678
12345
password
111111
admin
123123
abc123
If you’re using any of these, there is high probability that cybercriminals already have access to your digital life.
The Cost of a Weak Password
For Priya, the breach wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was costly. After hackers gained access to her email, they reset passwords for her bank and credit card accounts. Within hours, they had made multiple unauthorized transactions. It took weeks of calls, emails, and legal steps to regain control and recover her funds.
Unfortunately, her story isn’t unique. Cybercriminals use weak passwords to access personal and financial information, leading to identity theft, drained bank accounts, and even blackmail. Once they gain access to one account, they often try the same credentials on other platforms, a technique called credential stuffing.
The Future of Password Security
A lot of talk has gained attention around replacing passwords by more secure authentication methods, like biometrics and passkeys. Big tech companies are already investing in alternatives to eliminate weak password risks.
Until then, it’s up to individuals to take responsibility for their own cybersecurity.
Are you still using a weak password? If so, don’t wait for a cyberattack to force you into action. Change it now—before it’s too late.
