A recent study by NordPass and NordStellar has revealed that user password habits remain largely unchanged, with 78% of popular passwords easily cracked in seconds. The most common password globally is “123456,” followed by variations like “12345678” and “123456789.” In France, “azerty” ranks high as well. Many passwords are vulnerable, highlighting the need for password managers, which offer secure, memorable alternatives and enhance convenience across devices. NordPass is recommended, especially with its promotional pricing.
Study Reveals Most Common Passwords Worldwide
For the sixth consecutive year, NordPass and NordStellar have unveiled their findings on the most frequently used passwords globally, with a particular focus on France. One striking observation is that user habits remain remarkably consistent over time.
According to the research, a staggering 78% of the world’s most popular passwords can be cracked in less than a second when utilizing the right tools. Furthermore, even without specialized software, many of these passwords could be guessed by anyone in just a matter of seconds.
The data stems from a comprehensive study by NordPass in partnership with NordStellar, a firm specializing in cybersecurity research. Notably, this year marks the first time the study has examined password habits within professional environments, revealing that trends are largely similar across both personal and professional spheres.
The Most Commonly Used Passwords
Once again, the title of the most popular password worldwide goes to… “123456.” For the fifth time in six years, this sequence tops the charts, not only globally but also within France. Its simplicity makes it a go-to choice for countless users around the world.
The global rankings reveal that the second and third most used passwords are closely related: “12345678” and “123456789.” This trend likely arises from the requirement for a minimum password length on numerous websites, prompting users to simply extend their numerical sequence.
In France specifically, the second and third spots are held by “123456789” and “azerty,” respectively. Following these, “qwerty123” and “qwerty1” take fourth and fifth places, while “azertyuiop” and “marseille” also make an appearance. Interestingly, names like “doudou” and “loulou” are trending as well, landing in the 8th and 9th positions. The list concludes with “12345678” in the tenth spot.
Other notable mentions in the top 20 include “eternal password” and “motdepasse,” along with the more surprising entries of the names “nicolas” and “camille.” Alarmingly, 80% of these passwords are vulnerable to being cracked in under a second through brute force attacks.
Why You Should Consider a Password Manager
This study is based on an aggregation of data, including stolen passwords that are readily available on dark web platforms. The passwords that dominate the list are often those that can be compromised in a matter of moments.
The persistence of these habits over the years can be attributed to users favoring easy-to-remember passwords over prioritizing their security. However, password managers offer a viable solution to this dilemma.
Leading password managers can recommend secure passwords when you create an account, and the good news is that users don’t have to memorize them. The top options automatically fill in login forms across different devices, enhancing convenience.
One such solution is the NordPass manager, developed by the same company behind the study, Nord Security. This application is integrated into the NordVPN Advanced plan, which is currently available at a 50% discount, costing just €3.89 per month for a 2-year subscription plus 3 months free.
In addition to providing a secure password management solution, NordVPN safeguards your credentials against data interception, boasting over 6,400 servers in 111 countries worldwide.