Create secure, random passwords or convert memorable phrases into strong passwords.
Replacing 'a' with '@' or 'e' with '3' is a common technique that hackers are well aware of. Passwords like "p@ssw0rd" are still easy to crack.
Simply adding "123" or the current year to the end of your password doesn't make it secure. Password crackers check these patterns first.
Even with modifications, dictionary words are vulnerable to "dictionary attacks" where hackers try common words with variations.
"123456" remains one of the most commonly used passwords worldwide, followed by "password" and "qwerty".
A 12-character random password with mixed characters would take about 200 years to crack with current technology.
Studies show that the average person reuses the same password across 5 different accounts.
About 20-50% of all help desk calls are for password resets, costing businesses millions annually.
Only about 20% of internet users utilize password managers, despite their security benefits.
By 2025, it's estimated that 70% of smartphones will use biometric authentication alongside passwords.