Why Your Password Might Be Your Biggest Security Risk and How to Fix It

Think your password is strong enough? You might want to think again. 

Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your personal and business data, but let’s be honest—many of us still rely on easy-to-guess combinations. A February 2025 study by KnownHost highlights just how common weak passwords are and how quickly they can be cracked. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. We’re breaking it all down in simple terms, along with easy, actionable steps to keep your accounts secure.

The Problem with Common Passwords

We get it—creating and remembering strong passwords is a hassle. But using weak ones is like leaving your front door wide open for hackers. 

KnownHost reviewed the top 200 most common passwords worldwide, comparing them with data breaches from 2007 to 2024. The findings? Were quite shocking.

• 65.5% of these passwords were simple mixes of numbers and letters.
• The most common length? Just 8 characters—which is way too short for today’s security threats.
• Here are some of the most hackable passwords were basic number sequences:
  • "123456" (over 50 million breaches)
  • "123456789" (over 20.5 million breaches)
  • Other weak offenders included "password," "admin," and "abc123."
    
    

If you recognize any of these, it’s time for an upgrade.

Why Hackers Love Weak Passwords

Cybercriminals use automated programs that can guess millions of password combinations in seconds. If your password is simple or reused across accounts, it’s only a matter of time before someone gains access. 

The harsh reality? Most people choose convenience over security. But the good news? Stronger passwords don’t have to be complicated. 

How to Strengthen Your Password Game

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has updated its password guidelines, and the advice is surprisingly simple: 

• Use Longer Passphrases
  • Instead of a short password like “Sunshine123,” go for a sentence or phrase you can remember but no one else can guess. Example: MyDogLoves2PlayFetch! – Easy for you, but hard for hackers.
• Avoid Reusing Passwords
  • If one account is breached, hackers will try the same password on your other accounts. Keep them unique!
• Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Even if someone gets your password, MFA adds an extra security layer—like a text message code or fingerprint scan.
• Use a Password Manager
  • Tools like LastPass or 1Password securely store and generate strong passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all.
• Check If Your Password Has Been Compromised
  • Sites like Have I Been Pwned let you see if your password has been exposed in a breach.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Security Gains

The KnownHost study is a wake-up call for anyone still using weak passwords. But by making a few simple changes today, you can dramatically reduce your risk of a cyberattack. Read the full article here.

Your password is your first line of defense—so make sure it’s strong enough to protect what matters most. Does your business need help securing its employees and endpoints? Contact an expert at iCorps to see how we can help.