How secure is my password? Use this test to find out

The RockYou2024 leak, which exposed almost 10 billion passwords in July of last year, may seem like old news, but its impact is still being felt today. This massive password compilation is considered the largest ever released, and with such a vast collection of breached credentials circulating, the risks of credential stuffing, identity theft, and unauthorized access to online accounts and systems remain high. For anyone still reusing passwords, the dangers are real and growing. That’s why password security has never been more critical, and the big question remains, how secure is my password?

Weak passwords are like open doors for hackers, as recent reports show that many common passwords can be cracked in mere seconds. Simple or reused passwords are especially vulnerable to automated attacks, and once one account is breached, others are often quickly compromised. If a company you’re signed up with experiences a data breach and your login info is leaked, attackers can try that same password on other platforms, potentially unlocking a lot more than just one account.

Strong passwords act as your first line of defense. They are long, complex, and unique, making it significantly harder for attackers to guess or force their way in. When every account has its own strong password, even if one gets leaked, the rest stay safe. It’s like having a unique, high-security key for every door in your digital life.

The most commonly used and insecure passwords to avoid include “123456,” “123456789,” “12345678,” “password,” and “Qwerty.” These passwords are extremely easy to guess and should be avoided at all costs.

To test the strength of your password, consider a 7-point self-evaluation checklist. This checklist includes factors such as password length, inclusion of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, special characters, uniqueness, and frequency of changing passwords. By evaluating your password based on these criteria, you can determine how secure it really is.

If your password strength is low, there are steps you can take to improve it. You can build a better password yourself by ensuring it meets certain criteria such as length, complexity, and uniqueness. Alternatively, you can use a password generator to create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Password managers are also recommended as they can generate, store, and autofill strong passwords for you, eliminating the need for you to remember them.

In conclusion, password security is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and attention. By prioritizing strong passwords and using tools to help manage them effectively, you can significantly reduce your risk and enjoy greater peace of mind online. Remember, the companies you interact with online should also be doing their part to protect your data and passwords. If you have concerns or suggestions for improvement, don’t hesitate to reach out and let them know.