It is common knowledge that using a strong password is crucial to protect personal and corporate information. However, despite this awareness, many people still opt for the easiest and most vulnerable passwords. NordPass recently released its annual list of the top dumbest passwords used by Americans in 2024, shedding light on some alarming choices made by individuals and even corporate entities.
For the past six years, NordPass has been compiling these lists by analyzing sets of passwords stolen by malware and exposed in data leaks. This year, the lists not only include personal credentials but also corporate passwords, providing a comprehensive view of the most common bad passwords used across 44 countries.
Interestingly, the most common bad password overall across the 44 countries analyzed is “123456.” However, the top dumb passwords vary by country, with Canada’s most common bad password being “qwerty123” and the U.S. opting for “secret.” Other notable passwords include “password,” “qwerty,” and “123456789,” which continue to be popular choices despite their vulnerability.
In the United States, the top 20 most common passwords include variations of “123456,” “password,” and “qwerty,” with surprising entries like “baseball,” “princess,” and “monkey.” Canada’s list features unique passwords such as “9-11-1961” and “hockey,” while Mexico’s top passwords include “pokemon,” “alejandro,” and “hola.”
Some passwords, like “aaron431,” stand out as popular corporate choices in the U.S., raising questions about their significance. It is possible that certain default passwords used by large corporations have been leaked, skewing the data to show these passwords as more common than they actually are. This highlights the importance of strong password protocols within organizations to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access.
As you review the list of dumbest passwords, take a moment to reflect on the significance behind some of the choices. While passwords like “hockey” may seem fitting for Canada, others like “9-11-1961” leave us puzzled. Share your thoughts in the comments section if you find any of the data particularly amusing or intriguing.
Remember, creating a strong and unique password is essential to safeguarding your personal and professional information. Avoid using common phrases, dates, or sequential numbers as passwords, and consider utilizing a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. Stay vigilant and prioritize cybersecurity to protect yourself from potential threats in an increasingly digital world.
