High-risk passwords that can be cracked in 60 seconds - is yours on the list?

Today marks World Password Day, a reminder to review and update your passwords for any online accounts. This is important as ever, as despite numerous warnings about online security, many individuals continue to use alarmingly simple

Given the plethora of online accounts we have, choosing easily remembered passwords and repeating them across multiple services is a common pitfall. A study by cybersecurity experts Redcentric found that 1 in 5 (20%) Brits use only one or two passwords for all their online logins.

Yet this habit can lead to disastrous outcomes in terms of online security. Studies have found that around 45% of all used by millions can be breached in less than a minute.

Favourite choices such as "password" or sequences like "123456", along with dictionary words, are among the most common and most vulnerable passwords, according to research from Kaspersky. Security specialists unanimously agree that including dictionary words heavily compromises a password's security.

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Another error many commit is incorporating personal names into their passwords, as these can be readily found by nefarious online operators. Explaining more about its latest research, Kaspersky said: "Unconsciously, human beings create "human" passwords – containing the words from dictionary in their native languages, featuring names, numbers, Etc, things that are easy for our busy brains to recall easily.

"Even seemingly strong combinations are rarely completely random, so they can be guessed by algorithms. Given that, the most dependable solution is to generate a completely random password using modern and reliable password managers."

If you're using simple passwords like "123456" or "password", then it's high time to switch up or risk becoming an easy mark. These incredibly common codes continue to top the UK's charts for most-used passwords - check if yours is on the list:

• 123456
• password
• qwerty

• qwerty12345

• liverpool
• 123456789
• arsenal
• 12345678
• 12345
• abc123
• chelsea

• admin

• team

• forever

• love

• google

• hacker

• gamer

Names such as Ahmed, Nguyen, Kumar, Kevin and Daniel are also in danger of being hacked. Unsure about switching your old, weak password? Fret not, here are some gold-standard tips to bolster your online defenses and ensure your private data remains just that, private.

Numbers and symbols

Incorporating numbers, a couple of uppercase letters, and symbols such as £,$,@, or ! can all contribute to making passwords more challenging to decipher. For example, if your current password is purplecat, consider changing it to Purp1eC@t! - this instantly enhances security.

Avoid personal passwords

Refrain from using passwords that can be readily inferred from your personal details, such as birthdays, names of family members, pets, or your own name, as these are often an attacker's initial guesses.

Two-factor authentication

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This isn't directly linked to password strength, but it does provide an additional layer of security. Even if someone manages to crack your password, they'd still need a second form of verification to gain access to your account.

Password manager

Remembering long and unique passwords for all the services you use can be a daunting task, but a password manager can simplify this process. You only need to remember one master password. There are numerous free and premium managers available, with Apple, Samsung and also offering this service.

Mix it up

Make sure to use a different password for each online platform you use. This way, even if one of your accounts is compromised, the others won't be affected.

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