Bad Passwords You Should Never Use: Protect Your Personal Data

Bad Passwords You Should Never Use: Protect Your Personal Data

There are passwords that everyone seems to know we should never use... BUT, it doesn't seem to stop people from using them! Using bad passwords seriously puts the data and information that is stored on your computers, smart phones, tablets, etc. at great risk.

SplashData, a leading provider of password management applications, recently came out with their top 25 worst passwords of 2013. Here's the list--and it's amazing to think that so many people still continue to use these. What are they thinking?!?! You can't turn on the TV these days without hearing a news story about how to protect your data and improve your passwords.

1. 123456
2. password
3. 12345678
4. qwerty
5. abc123
6. 123456789
7. 111111
8. 1234567
9. iloveyou
10. adobe123
11. 123123
12. admin
13. 1234567890
14. letmein
15. photoshop
16. 1234
17. monkey
18. shadow
19. sunshine
20. 12345
21. password1
22. princess
23. azerty
24. trustno1
25. 000000

I don't think anyone needs to be a "computer genius" to figure out that most of these passwords are simply "trouble waiting to happen!" And by the way, SplashData's top 25 list was compiled from files containing millions of stolen passwords posted online during the previous year! The operative word here is stolen. As a Realtor, I'd like to point out that if your passwords get compromised and your identity or financials are stolen, it will be a tedious job to obtain a mortgage to buy a home.

Google has provided some great tips on how to set up secure passwords and keep them that way.  These include all the basic tips we've all heard a million times by now, including:

• Using unique passwords for various functions/programs
• Keeping passwords stored in a secure place
• Using long pasword with a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, capital letters, etc.

And keep in mind that there are any number of programs out there that will help you secure your passwords and many are not very expensive at all:

• SplashData.com (already noted above)
• RoboForms.com 
• GetTheVault.com
• DashLane (it's free!)
• LastPass (they have a free and a premium paid option)

The video from Google below is a great start to thinking about how to set up safer passwords and help your data stay secure.

Don't play Russian Roulette with your passwords! Start changing and strengthening your passwords now... one day, you'll be glad you did! And at the very least, make sure you don't use any of these 25 bad passwords that made the 2013 list of the worst passwords!

Nina Hollander
Broker, Realtor, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, CDPE, SFR, SPS
Carolinas Realty Partners with RE/MAX Executive Realty
Direct: 704-779-0813
Website: www.GreatHomesInCharlotte.com
Blog: www.BestCharlotteHomesForSale.com
Search for Charlotte Area Homes: www.HomesInCharlotteArea.com

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Charlotte Magazine 5-Star Customer Satisfaction Award Winner

 

                         
         

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