Let’s talk online logins. You may think that your password is super-safe and unique but is it really as secure as you think it is?
A new survey has revealed the top 10 most popular words and number sequences that people tend to use as their online passwords. Eh… if you see one of your passwords here we highly recommend that you change it, pronto!
Is it time you changed your password?
1. yourfirstname1: This password ranked as the most popular login. According to reports, people only started adding the number one on the end of their names when stories of accounts getting hacked start to worry them. The first name of loved ones are also a common choice.
2. Arsenal, Liverpool or another football team: Believe it or not ‘Arsenal’ and ‘Liverpool’ have been the most popular single-worded password terms for ages now. Experts believe that people tend to use ‘Arsenal’ as a password because of the naughty word at the start. Unsurprisingly, it’s thought that more men use a football team as a password than women.
3. Monkey: No one can really explain why the word ‘monkey’ has become such a popular password. Theories suggest that it’s because it only has six letters (the minimum amount of letters usually needed for a password) and it’s quick and easy to type on a keyboard.
4. password1: This is a popular choice because many people automatically assume that no one would think of using the word ‘password’ as, well, a password. They usually add the number one for an added bit of security. It’s worth noting that if someone is trying to break into one of your online accounts, they’re highly likely to try using ‘password’ as your login immediately.
5. Facebook1: Yes, believe it or not, a large number of people use the word ‘Facebook’ as their password for their social networking account. This information is likely to come in handy the next time you’re trying to frape your BFF.
Whatever you do, never use ‘Facebook’ as your password for Facebook…
6. letmein: This password is popular because it’s often used in films. Experts think that people use it because it reminds them of the phrase ‘open sesame.’ In terms of statistics, it’s believed that one in every 560 people will have ‘letmein’ as their password.
7. abc123: Experts say that this password is generally used by users who just want to have a look around a website. They use it because it’s quick and easy to remember. They may intend on going back and changing their password at a later date, but most of the time they never do.
8. qwerty: It’s quick, easy to remember and very simplistic when it comes to typing it out. This is a favourite for people who are fans of using acronyms.
9. Charlie: The most popular name-based password out there, experts believe ‘Charlie’ is a popular choice because many men who work with computers are called, surprise, surprise, Charlie!
10. 123456: One in every 250 people use this simple numerical sequence as their password. Apparently it’s one of the very first things that people tend to think when they’re asked to pick a password.
