INDIANA – Weak passwords remain a primary vulnerability in cybersecurity, with over 80% of data breaches linked to compromised credentials. A recent analysis by Hostinger’s experts, examining thousands of real-world entries from leaked datasets, has pinpointed the most common password mistakes users repeatedly make and how to avoid them.
The study, leveraging machine learning and behavioral analysis, identified key errors undermining online protection:
- Using Short Passwords: Over 21% of analyzed passwords were eight characters or less and were cracked instantly. While short passwords are quicker to type and remember, they are highly susceptible to brute-force attacks.
- Solution: Ensure passwords are at least 12 characters long, ideally forming a memorable phrase or sentence.
- Using “Unique” Passwords: Passwords that appear unique, such as “minebluecar67,” often follow low-entropy patterns that are surprisingly easy to break. Users frequently choose familiar word-number combinations, mistakenly believing them to be secure.
- Solution: Incorporate a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and actively avoid common words or predictable patterns.
- “Very Weak” Doesn’t Always Mean “Short”: Even passwords exceeding 20 characters showed a 13% crack rate, nearly as vulnerable as those that are much shorter. This is often due to repetition (e.g., “aaaaaaa” or “123123123”), which significantly lowers security despite length.
- Solution: Prioritize variety in password structure as much as overall length, avoiding repetitive sequences.
- Not Knowing Breached Passwords: A substantial number of current passwords appear in the top 10 million most-leaked lists globally. The study found 475 passwords matched high-frequency entries from known breach lists, often because users are unaware their credentials have been compromised or they reuse old passwords.
- Solution: Regularly check your credentials using services like “Have I Been Pwned” and refrain from reusing any password found on a known breach list.
“A lot of people assume that once they’ve set up their privacy settings or chosen a strong password, they’re fully protected,” stated Egidijus Navardauskas, Head of Security at Hostinger. “But the truth is, security and privacy are ongoing processes. New threats and vulnerabilities appear constantly, and the platforms we use are always evolving. Staying safe means staying alert — regularly reviewing your privacy settings, keeping your passwords strong and unique, and making sure two-factor authentication (2FA) is active are just as important as the initial setup. Security-related settings should be regularly updated to ensure they continue to reflect your needs and provide the appropriate level of protection.
