Terrible passwords people used in 2018

Everyone knows that using '1234' or 'password' as passwords is not secure, right? But a report compiled by SplashData (a password management company) shows that people still use weak passwords if for no other reason than they are easy to remember. 

We have so many devices and accounts to keep up with - phones, computers, Netflix, your online shopping account - that it is no wonder many of us choose an easy to remember password, and even use the same passwords for multiple accounts. There have been numerous warnings about how dangerous this is, but the fact remains: bad habits die hard. 

Each year SplashData analyses millions of leaked passwords in hopes of finding out how people make decisions when it comes to securing their devices and accounts. This is the fifth consecutive year that '123456' and 'password' have come in the first and second spots on the list. Looking at the number combinations and phrases that make up the rest of the top ten, one would be forgiven for thinking the people that owned these accounts want to be hacked. 

One surprising new entry to the list is 'donald', chosen most likely because it was a name that would forever be in the person's mind and therefore very difficult to forget. It is still not a secure enough password, however, as "hackers have great success using celebrity names, terms from pop culture and sports, and simple keyboard patterns" when trying to break into computers.

The first 25 terrible passwords on SplashData's list are a masterclass in what not to do. Take notes so you can do better in 2019.

11. princess

12. admin

13. welcome

14. 666666

15. abc123

16. football

17. 123123

18. monkey

19. 654321

20. !@#$%^&*

21. charlie

22. aa123456

23. donald

24. password1

25. qwerty123

See all 100 passwords to avoid here.

Image: NeONBRAND