Langmeier Backup Magazine

Insecure passwords remain a widespread issue on the Internet. Authorities and security experts consistently warn how easily certain combinations of numbers or letters can be cracked. Unfortunately, the passwords that are easiest to remember are often the least secure.

This problem does not only affect private users. Even large organizations—despite their focus on security—sometimes rely on weak passwords. A striking example was reported by the reputable IT news portal heise.de: Between 1962 and 1977, the U.S. military reportedly used one of the most insecure passwords imaginable for its nuclear missile launch codes. In order to enable rapid entry during emergencies, the code 00000000 was chosen.

For a long time, it was unclear which insecure passwords were most commonly used by Internet users. Many assumed that easily memorable combinations, such as birth dates or phone numbers, were prevalent. However, the facts became public in October 2013, following a high-profile hacker attack on Adobe Systems Incorporated. During this breach, the data of nearly 150 million customers—including their passwords—was stolen. Although Adobe stored these passwords in encrypted form, a vulnerability in their encryption process made it easier for hackers to access the information.

The hackers compiled and published a list of the most frequently used passwords among Adobe customers, making the most common insecure combinations visible to the world.

Here are the top 10 most insecure passwords revealed by the Adobe data breach:

• No. 1: 123456 – Used by almost two million users.
• No. 2: 123456789 – Chosen by over half a million users.
• No. 3: password – Selected by nearly 346,000 customers.
• No. 4: adobe123 – Used by more than 200,000 users.
• No. 5: 12345678 – Favored by over 200,000 people.
• No. 6: qwerty – Used by more than 130,000 customers.
• No. 7: 1234567 – Chosen by over 120,000 users.
• No. 8: 111111 – Selected by more than 110,000 users.
• No. 9: photoshop – Used by approximately 80,000 people.
• No. 10: 123123 – Chosen by over 80,000 customers.

This list is not limited to Germany or Switzerland—it reflects a global trend and highlights the international relevance of password security.

If you wish to create a secure password, you should always use a combination of letters and numbers, including both uppercase and lowercase characters. While no password can guarantee absolute security, following these guidelines will significantly increase your protection. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you change your passwords regularly to safeguard your personal data as effectively as possible.

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