Cyber Security: 25 Worst Passwords of 2011 [Study]

Password management application provider SplashData has released its annual list of worst internet passwords. The list includes Password, 123456 and, weirdly, monkey among the 25 worst passwords of the year.

The list was prepared from files containing millions of stolen passwords posted online by hackers. It also included series of contiguous numbers or letters on the keyboard like qwerty and 123456, and common names like ashley and Michael.

Below is the complete list of 25 worst passwords of 2011.

1. password

2. 123456

3.12345678

4. qwerty

5. abc123

6. monkey

7. 1234567

8. letmein

9. trustno1

10. dragon

11. baseball

12. 111111

13. iloveyou

14. master

15. sunshine

16. ashley

17. bailey

18. passw0rd

19. shadow

20. 123123

21. 654321

22. superman

23. qazwsx

24. michael

25. football

If any businesses and consumers are using any of the passwords given in the list, they are urged to change them as soon as possible by SplashData CEO Morgan Slain.

Hackers can easily break into many accounts just by repeatedly trying common passwords, Mashable quoted Slain as saying. Even though people are encouraged to select secure, strong passwords, many people continue to choose weak, easy-to-guess ones, placing themselves at risk from fraud and identity theft.

SplashData has also provided a few tips to help choose secure passwords.

1. Vary different types of characters in your passwords; include numbers, letters and special characters when possible.

2. Choose passwords of eight characters or more. Separate short words with spaces or underscores.

3. Don't use the same password and username combination for multiple websites. Use an online password manager to keep track of your different accounts.

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