Many internet users frequently reuse simple passwords across various online platforms, significantly increasing the risk of widespread account breaches. Vitaly Fomin, head of the Digital Economy League`s cybersecurity analytics group, has highlighted the most dangerous password combinations.
According to Fomin, the top three most commonly used — and therefore insecure — passwords are “123456,” “qwerty,” and “password.”
How to Create a Strong Password
To create a secure password, Fomin advises against using these widespread combinations, as well as avoiding personal information such as your name, date of birth, or phone number. These types of passwords are highly susceptible to brute-force attacks and dictionary attacks.
He recommends incorporating a mix of the following elements to create a robust password:
- Uppercase letters (A-Z)
- Lowercase letters (a-z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Special characters (!@#$%^&*()_+{}[]:;”`|\\,./?~`)
A strong password should contain at least 8 characters, with 12 or more being preferable for enhanced security. Fomin also suggests using password managers to generate and securely store complex, unique combinations for all your online accounts.
“It is advisable to avoid meaningful phrases, as such passwords are easier to guess through dictionary attacks. Instead, create an abstract sequence of characters that is much harder to predict,” the analyst concluded.
Related Security Tips
In related news concerning digital safety, methods for protecting against scammers on popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have been shared. Users are advised to be vigilant about unusual behavior from their contacts and always verify suspicious messages or requests.
