By now it’s pretty common knowledge that you don’t use the word “Password” as your password. Or 1234, etc. And, unless you’re not very well versed in Internet culture, you already know not to use information that’s readily available through your LiveJournal profile as a password to get into your bank account. But, low and behold, people continue to do so, because, wow, thinking of an actual password is just too hard.

 

So says Google, which we all know to be a respected voice when it comes to password security.

The search giant allegedly conducted a study of 2,000 people recently in the hopes of learning how it is they come up with passwords. The findings revealed pretty much what we expect: people often choose passwords based on information that’s accessible to most anyone who uses the Internet, like your pet’s name (number one), or a family member’s name (number three), or your favorite holiday (number 7).Halloween1234hehe.

Google provides ten of the most common passwords, and surprisingly the word password is number ten. Maybe people have learned a little. Or maybe they use the word password ironically as their password in an attempt to trick thieves. In any case, Google’s data also revealed nearly 50 percent of people freely tell others what their password is. Like,Howdy, stranger, here is my password. Three percent have no basic concept of security and merely write their password down on a post it and stick it to their monitor.

Passwords are tricky, sure, and remembering all your different logins can be a challenge. But that’s why services such as 1Password exist—something you should take advantage of now if you haven’t already. The ten most common passwords are below. If any of yours are on the no-no list, I suggest you change it immediately.

  1. Pet names
  2. A notable date, such as a wedding anniversary
  3. A family member’s birthday
  4. Your child’s name
  5. Another family member’s name
  6. Your birthplace
  7. A favorite holiday
  8. Something related to your favorite sports team
  9. The name of a significant other
  10. The word “Password”
SOURCE TIME