Remembering passwords is a task for most of us, and sometimes we just end up taking the easy way out. Unfortunately, that can easily be used to our disadvantage by anyone with the right credentials or knowledge.


A recent study by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)  revealed that many internet users including Indians, continue to use simple passwords like ‘123456’ or ‘123456789’ despite knowing the risks. 

Whether it is 123456 or something like 111111 – you are 100% at risk of being hacked, spammed or having a compromised account. When people keep easy passwords and guessable questions to keep a back-up recovery option for the same, a probable guess is all that a hacker needs to get access to your sensitive data. The same can then be used against you, even without you knowing. 

These are the top frequently used passwords.  

1. 123456

2. 123456789
3. 111111
4. QWERTY 
5. qwerty 
6. password 
7. 123ABC 
8. Password1 
9. 12345
10. Your own name and DOB – can be guessed pretty easily. 

Don’t use simple passwords for multiple accounts – you don’t want to worry about Facebook and Gmail at the same time! Better, use a complex combination that’s not easy to guess, not easily identified with one of your personality traits, and considerably doesn’t represent your address/DOB/vehicle-registration etc. 


According to McAfee researchers, giving away simple passwords can easily lead to identity theft and ruin years of hard work. 

Next time use a password like ‘Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia‘!