In a startling revelation, language learning platform Preply has identified “123456” as the most commonly hacked password in Singapore, appearing in over 42.5 million data breaches. This finding underscores a significant lapse in basic cybersecurity practices among users, leaving countless individuals vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Preply’s analysis, conducted ahead of International Data Protection Day on 28 January, examined the most frequently used passwords in Singapore. The study found that 99% of the most commonly hacked passwords are under 12 characters, with “password” appearing in 10.4 million breaches. These simple, easily guessable passwords are prime targets for cybercriminals.
The research highlights the need for stronger, more secure passwords. Preply suggests using characters from different languages to enhance password complexity and uniqueness. However, users must ensure compatibility, as not all systems support every character type.
Globally, similar patterns emerge, with “123456”, “123456789”, and “qwerty” topping the list of most hacked passwords, appearing in over 71 million breaches. The use of country names as passwords also poses risks, with “Canada” leading the list of country-related passwords compromised in 185,000 breaches. “Singapore” ranks fourteenth, appearing in 45,757 breaches.
Preply’s findings serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of robust password security in safeguarding personal and sensitive information online. As digital connectivity continues to grow, adopting stronger password practices is essential to mitigate the risks of cyber threats.
