National Change Your Password Day 2025: Update Your Password Now

31 January 2025

National Change Your Password Day: February 1st Reminds Us to Stay Secure Online

Change Your Password Day was first introduced on February 1, 2012, by the U.S. website GIZMODO. The goal of this awareness day is to highlight the importance of strong passwords and encourage users to update them regularly. Given the rising number of cybercrimes and the associated risks to personal data, this initiative is more relevant than ever. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) also recommends changing your password if you suspect that your account has been compromised.

 

Change Your Password Day: Common Weak Passwords You Should Replace Immediately

Cyber threats are increasing rapidly. According to a study by Cybersecurity Ventures, a cyberattack occurred every 39 seconds in 2023, totaling over 2,200 attacks per day.

Cybercriminals use various techniques to crack passwords and gain access to sensitive digital information. The most common attack methods include:

  • Brute-Force Attacks
    Brute-force attacks use automated programs to try all possible character combinations. Weak passwords like “123456” can be cracked in seconds. The shorter and simpler the password, the faster it can be broken.
  • Dictionary Attacks
    Hackers use precompiled lists of commonly used passwords. These dictionary attacks systematically test whether passwords like “password” or “qwerty” are in use.
  • Phishing
    Cybercriminals trick users into entering their passwords via fake emails or websites. This method exploits trust, such as a fake email from “Support” requesting your password to resolve a supposed email issue.
  • Keyloggers
    Keylogger programs run in the background, recording every keystroke. This allows cybercriminals to steal passwords directly. Keyloggers are often installed via malware.
  • Sniffing
    Hackers intercept unencrypted passwords transmitted over networks. This technique is especially common in unsecured Wi-Fi environments. Always ensure you are using an encrypted connection (e.g., HTTPS).
  • Credential Stuffing
    Attackers use stolen login credentials from data breaches (such as email addresses and passwords) to attempt access to other accounts. If you reuse the same password for multiple accounts, hackers can easily gain entry.
Most Common Weak Passwords

Here are 50 commonly used, easily hackable passwords:

Rank Password
1 123456
2 123456789
3 password
4 qwerty
5 12345
6 12345678
7 111111
8 123123
9 abc123
10 000000
11 1234
12 sunshine
13 iloveyou
14 admin
15 welcome
16 football
17 monkey
18 letmein
19 princess
20 dragon
21 654321
22 superman
23 qazwsx
24 121212
25 trustno1
26 starwars
27 michael
28 jordan
29 hunter
30 baseball
31 123qwe
32 1q2w3e4r
33 charlie
34 aa123456
35 password1
36 987654321
37 222222
38 flower
39 shadow
40 master
41 ginger
42 1212
43 buster
44 soccer
45 harley
46 thomas
47 tigger
48 jennifer
49 cookie
50 mickey

 

Why Are These Passwords Dangerous?

These passwords are highly vulnerable because they:

  • Are short and easy to guess
  • Lack a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters
  • Frequently appear in password leaks, making them prime targets for hackers

Also, never use your username as your password—it may be easy to remember, but it is just as easy to hack.

 

What Should You Do?
Does your password appear on this list?

1. Use Change Your Password Day 2025 as an opportunity to replace weak passwords.
2. Use tools like 1Password to generate and store complex passwords.
3. Add an extra layer of security by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA).

 

What Makes a Strong Password?

To protect your accounts from cybercriminals, follow these guidelines when creating a new password:

Characteristics of a Strong Password:

1. Length and Complexity: A secure password should be at least 20 characters long. The longer it is, the harder it is to crack via brute-force attacks. Use a combination of:

  • Uppercase and lowercase letters
  • Numbers and special characters
  • Random, unpredictable sequences unrelated to personal information

Example of a strong password: Gil3x4P@snw0RD2024b!

2. Unique for Each Platform: Never reuse passwords across multiple platforms. If hackers gain access to one account, they could potentially access others.

3. Unpredictability: Avoid logical patterns like “123456” or “password”.

4. Use a Password Manager: Tools like 1Password help store and generate long, complex passwords.

 

How to Remember Complex Passwords

The stronger your passwords, the better protected your accounts are. However, passwords like Gil3x4P@snw0RD2024b! meet security standards but can be difficult to remember.

Solution: Create a Passphrase Using a Mnemonic Sentence
A mnemonic sentence helps you recall even the most complex password.

Example:
The password Gil3x4P@snw0RD2024b! could be derived from:
“Giraffes run 3 x 4 penguins @ the lake while 0 seals build dams in 2024!”

How It Works:

1. Take the first letter of each word:

  • “Giraffes run” → Gil
  • “3 x 4” → 3×4
  • “Penguins” → P
  • “@ the lake” → @sn
  • “while” → w
  • “0 seals build” → 0RD
  • “Dams 2024!” → 2024b!

2. Integrate numbers and symbols:

  • “3 x 4” → 3×4
  • “@” from “@ the lake” → @
  • “0” from “0 seals” → 0
  • “2024” from the sentence → 2024
  • Using this method, you can create secure passwords that are easy to remember.

 

Additional Security Measure: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Besides using a strong password, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for extra protection. This adds a second verification step, such as:

1. One-time codes via app
Apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator generate temporary codes valid for a few seconds.

2. Push notifications
Services like Apple ID or Google send a push notification to your device for login approval.

3. Hardware tokens
Devices like YubiKey provide physical security keys that must be present to access your account.

4. Fingerprint or PIN authentication
On smartphones, biometric security (fingerprint scan or PIN) can act as a second layer of protection.

 

Manage Your Passwords with 1Password

A password manager like 1Password enhances security and helps keep track of your credentials.

Features of 1Password:
  • Generate strong passwords with numbers, letters, and special characters
  • Store and manage passwords securely across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
  • Autofill login credentials to make signing in easier
  • Enable 2FA authentication for additional security layers
  • Securely share passwords with trusted individuals

 

Need Help Securing Your Data?

We are happy to assist you in enhancing your digital security or that of your clients. Find the right cybersecurity solutions for your business today.
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