Most Common Passwords Found in Data Breaches
Passwords are often the only line of defense protecting your sensitive information. Here at Class Action U, we’ve seen firsthand how relying on weak passwords puts people at risk of identity theft, financial losses, and compromised accounts.
Digital attackers often successfully guess weak passwords that include predictable patterns, commonly used words, or basic personal information. Let’s explore the most common passwords found in data breaches, why weak passwords come with risks, and what you can do to protect your accounts.
Top 10 Most Common Passwords Found in Data Breaches
Cybersecurity experts have analyzed data from data breaches to identify the most frequently used passwords. Here are the top 10:
- 123456
- 123456789
- 12345678
- password
- qwerty123
- qwerty1
- 111111
- 12345
- secret
- 123123
The sequential order, repetition, or use of familiar keyboard patterns in these passwords makes them highly predictable. Relying on them offers virtually no protection when attackers try to access your accounts.
Consequences of Using Common Passwords
Your digital accounts store more personal and financial information than ever before. When you use a common password, you’re essentially handing attackers the keys to that data.
Hackers often use automated tools to run thousands of login attempts in seconds. This method, known as credential stuffing, may involve attempts using both common passwords and leaked credentials from past data breaches.
Weak passwords put your sensitive data at risk. Research shows that it takes less than one second for hackers to crack each of the top 10 most common passwords . Before you know it, someone might have accessed your email, social media, bank accounts, or work systems. From there, they can steal your money, commit identity fraud, or use your accounts to target your loved ones, coworkers, or clients.
Why People Still Use Weak Passwords
People often use weak passwords for convenience. The average person has nearly 170 passwords across all their accounts, and remembering and managing complex, unique passwords for each account can feel overwhelming.
Another factor is poor risk awareness. Those who use common passwords might assume that the risk of forgetting their password is greater than the risk of a hacker breaking into their accounts. This gap in awareness can catch people by surprise when they discover their accounts have been hacked.
The Risk of Password Reuse
Many people respond to the risk of using common passwords by using one strong password across multiple accounts. While this approach might temporarily protect your accounts, it leaves you highly vulnerable after a data breach.
A data breach occurs when hackers illegally access a company’s sensitive information, such as users’ usernames and passwords. They then exploit this data for their own benefit or sell it to other cybercriminals on the dark web.
If your reused password is included in one of these breaches, hackers can simultaneously access several of your accounts. They can do major damage to your credit, finances, and reputation.
How To Strengthen Your Passwords and Protect Your Accounts
The most effective way to protect yourself online is to use a strong, unique password for each account. A strong password has at least 16 characters and one of the following structures:
- A random string of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols, such as cXmnZK65rf*&DaaD
- A memorable phrase of four to seven unrelated words, such as HorsePurpleHatRunBayLifting
Avoid using personal information, such as your name, a family member’s name, a birthday, or an address, in your passwords.
Use Password Managers
Password managers are apps or browser extensions that generate, store, and autofill strong passwords for all your accounts. You only need to remember one master password to log in to the tool.
Using a password manager solves the convenience problem that leads many people to reuse passwords or rely on common ones. It takes the burden off your memory and protects your accounts without you having to store everything on paper or in unprotected files.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of security. When you enable 2FA, it takes two steps to enter your account. For example, after you enter your password, you may also need to provide a verification code sent to your phone. This extra step means hackers can’t access your account just by knowing your password.
Steps To Take if Your Password Has Been Involved in a Data Breach
Here’s how you can protect yourself if your password has been compromised in a data breach:
- Change your passwords on any site where you might have used the leaked password.
- Enable two-factor authentication on every account that offers it.
- Monitor your financial accounts and check your credit reports for unusual activity.
- Sign up for fraud protection alerts with your bank or credit card company.
- Consider taking legal action, such as starting or joining a class action lawsuit.
How a Lawyer Can Help You File a Class Action Lawsuit for Data Breaches
Using a strong password—and a different one for each account—may seem like a hassle, but it’s one of the best things you can do to protect yourself online. However, companies should also be accountable when their poor security practices put consumers at risk for data breaches.
A single data breach can affect thousands or even millions of people. A class action lawsuit allows these individuals to collectively seek compensation for the damages they’ve suffered due to the breach. Instead of filing separate lawsuits, plaintiffs join together to file a single claim, thereby streamlining the legal process.
If your information has been leaked in a data breach, Class Action U can connect you to a class action attorney who can help you understand your legal options. This may include starting a new class action lawsuit or joining an existing one.
Contact us to learn more about the class action legal process and start seeking justice today.
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