In a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), it was found that 83% of the top 20 most commonly used passwords can be cracked in a single second. This is a startling statistic that should be a wake-up call for anyone who is using weak passwords to protect their online accounts.
The study found that the most commonly used passwords were “123456”, “password”, and “12345678”. These passwords are easily guessed by hackers and can be cracked in a single second. This means that if someone is using one of these passwords, their accounts are at risk of being hacked.
The study also found that the majority of people are still using weak passwords. The most common passwords are those that are short and contain only letters or numbers. This makes them easy to guess and crack. It is important to use strong passwords that contain a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
It is also important to use different passwords for different accounts. If someone uses the same password for multiple accounts, then if one account is hacked, all of the other accounts are also at risk. It is also important to change passwords regularly to ensure that they remain secure.
The NIST study is a reminder that it is essential to use strong passwords to protect online accounts. Weak passwords can easily be guessed or cracked and can put an individual’s personal information at risk. It is important to use strong passwords that contain a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and to change them regularly. By taking these steps, individuals can help protect their online accounts from hackers.
