The most hacked passwords in 2024 and how to protect yourself – Technologist

We help you to keep your business secure and encourage good password policies. Ensure none of the below passwords (the most hacked passwords in 2024!) are being used by employees and follow the recommended advice. If you need a password manager tool to help your employees, make sure you speak to Neuways! It is the first step to proofing your business against cyber threats and fostering a cyber secure culture amongst your employees.

The most hacked passwords by country

A comprehensive report has analysed extensive data and industry trends to present the most hacked passwords in 2024. These common passwords leave businesses vulnerable to unauthorised access, identity theft, and data breaches. We explain the benefits of following well-planned cyber security processes.

Drawing from years of data leaks found on hacking forums, marketplaces, and dark websites, the report identified the most compromised passwords. Here’s a snapshot of the most hacked passwords by country:

• UK: password
• USA: password
• Germany: 123456
• Russia: qwerty
• France: azerty
• Italy: 123456
• Spain: 123456

The result of an Analysis of 18m Passwords

Overall, the report analysed a total of 18,419,945 passwords, including 9 million from the general population:

• Worldwide: 9,056,593 passwords
• Hacked .edu users: 328,000 passwords
• Country-specific databases: 9 million passwords, broken down as follows:
  • Germany: 783,756
  • France: 446,613
  • Russia: 5,614,947
  • Italy: 49,622
  • Spain: 459,665
  • USA: 1,680,749

For each population, the research identified the top 20 most used passwords, the most popular password patterns, and specific cultural references. It also examined the use of first names and addresses in passwords and compared these to the “Hacker’s List” used in dictionary attacks.

What are the Top 30 Most Used Passwords Globally?

1. 123456
2. password
3. 123456789
4. 12345
5. 12345678
6. qwerty
7. 1234567
8. 111111
9. 1234567890
10. 123123
11. abc123
12. 1234
13. password1
14. iloveyou
15. 1q2w3e4r
16. 000000
17. qwerty123
18. zaq12wsx
19. dragon
20. sunshine
21. princess
22. letmein
23. 654321
24. monkey
25. 27653
26. 1qaz2wsx
27. 123321
28. qwertyuiop
29. superman
30. asdfghjkl

Global Password Trends

• The word “password” and its variations (e.g., “password1”) are very popular.
• Common phrases (“letmein”, “iloveyou”, “princess”, “superman”) are widely used.
• Keyboard patterns remain prevalent, with “qwerty” being the most popular.
• Numeric patterns are the most common password structure globally.

Country-Specific Password Insights

Germany

• Common Passwords: 123456, 123456789, passwort, hallo123
• Trends: Simple numeric patterns dominate, along with “password” and “hello” variations.

France

• Common Passwords: azerty, marseille, loulou, 123456
• Trends: The “azerty” keyboard layout is a frequent choice, with many common French words.

Russia

• Common Passwords: qwerty, 123456, qwertyuiop, qwe123
• Trends: Russian users prefer keyboard patterns and numbers over meaningful words.

Italy

• Common Passwords: 123456, 123456789, juventus, password
• Trends: First names and popular football teams feature prominently.

USA

• Common Passwords: password, 123456, 123456789, password1
• Trends: US users frequently use numeric sequences, keyboard patterns, and common phrases.

Recommendations for Businesses to avoid using the Most Hacked Passwords in 2024

To safeguard against these vulnerabilities and cyber threats, businesses should implement strong password policies and encourage the use of password managers. A password manager like Keeper can help create and store unique, complex passwords, enhancing overall security.

Further Reading

For more detailed insights and the full report, you can view the article on the most hacked passwords in 2024. If you know your employees need to tighten password security; speak to Neuways’ cyber security department, we are always here to help.