Celebrate World Password Day
On May 1, celebrate World Password Day by enhancing the strength and complexity of your passwords — one of the most essential security measures you can take.
Research shows that 25% of global users have never changed their passwords, and 83% of Americans use weak passwords that are easily cracked. World Password Day, on May 2, is the perfect opportunity to address this critical cybersecurity issue. Using weak or reused passwords across multiple accounts makes you an easy target for hackers. Once they discover your password, they can access your personal data, bank accounts, emails, social media accounts, and more.
Why is using a strong password important?
According to Forbes Advisor, 78% of individuals use the same password for more than one account. 52% use it for at least three accounts, and 4% use it on at least 11. 30% of individuals use password managers. 22% of Americans do not use any safety measures to secure passwords. This behavior increases the risk of being hacked, especially when data breaches occur and login credentials are sold to cybercriminals. Those criminals will attempt to use these credentials across various accounts, knowing that many people reuse passwords.
Many people continue to use weak passwords that can easily be cracked. Cybercriminals exploit this vulnerability by using brute force attacks, where automated software tries various username and password combinations until one works. They also perform dictionary attacks, entering common words from the dictionary to guess passwords.
Forbes Advisor reports that 46% of Americans admit to having their password stolen in the past year.
- 68% had to change their password across multiple accounts after their password was compromised.
- 42% of people only change their passwords when prompted instead of changing them regularly to avoid hacks.
- 35% believe their password was hacked because they had a weak password, while 30% believe it was due to repeatedly using the same password on multiple accounts.
Strong passwords, on the other hand, are far harder to crack and better protect your personal data. Given the increasing number of data breaches, it’s highly likely that your information has been compromised at some point. If you haven’t changed your passwords recently, now is a great time to update them with stronger, unique ones.
Why you should not use the same password on multiple accounts
If hackers gain access to one account, they often attempt to use the same password to access other accounts. After a data breach, it’s essential to change your passwords immediately, particularly if the same password was used for several accounts.
Despite this, nearly two-thirds of people worldwide have never checked if their email address has been involved in a data breach — 78% of people in Japan and 58% in the U.S. have never checked.
Password best practices
When changing your passwords, here are some key tips:
- Avoid weak passwords: Refrain from using personal information like your name, family member names, pet’s name, birthday, or hobby-related words. These are often easily discovered through social media and can make your passwords vulnerable.
- Create strong, unique passwords: Passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include numbers, special characters, and both uppercase and lowercase letters. Avoid using words related to yourself or the service you’re protecting.
Password Managers
A password manager is an excellent tool for generating and storing strong passwords. Over 60% of internet users worldwide have reported using a password manager in 2024. The highest adoption rates are observed in the 25-44 age group.
Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by notifying you if someone attempts to log into your account, allowing you to change your password if necessary. Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi networks can also protect you from hackers trying to intercept your data.
Finally, ensure that you have antivirus software installed on your devices. Antivirus software can detect and prevent malware, including keyloggers that steal passwords.