What’s the Password? Too Often, Answer Is Easy

Despite recommendations to use strong, unique passwords, people continue using weak codes

By By Dan Hounsell


Updating passwords to protect sensitive and valuable IT data shouldn’t be that hard. But it is, apparently. The issue is all the more urgent for healthcare facilities, where data breaches and attacks via email accounts are rising and show no signs of slowing down. 

One of the key elements of a strong password is its uniqueness, so CyberNews recently compiled information on the most commonly used passwords and phrases used in passwords by people around the world.

CyberNews collected data from publicly leaked data breaches, including the Breach Compilation, Collection #1-5, and other databases, then anonymized the data and detached the passwords to look at that data in isolation and find the most popular passwords.

Despite security experts recommending to use strong and unique passwords, along with two-factor authentication and password managers for more security, people continue using the weak codes. The top three most common passwords:
123456
123456789
qwerty



April 13, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

Healthcare Security: To Arm Or Not To Arm?

Deciding whether or not to hire armed security personnel requires that managers understand a range of critical considerations.


False Alarm at Kansas Hospital Highlights Importance of Alarm System Reliability

After a two-hour search of the hospital and nearby medical facilities, no threat was found.


Integrated Oncology Network Caught Up in Data Breach

The network first learned of the incident on April 11, 2025.


ISSA Introduces Healthcare Platform to Advance Safer, Cleaner Patient Environments

This new resource integrates training, research and cross-sector collaboration to raise care standards and improve patient outcomes.


Third-Party Tracking Settlement is a Compliance Wake-Up Call for Healthcare Facilities Managers

Mount Sinai Health System agrees to a $5.3 million settlement to resolve claims it improperly shared patient data with Facebook through tracking tools.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.