As the digital world becomes more and more complex, the need for deliberate, thorough security grows. Yes, we know, you've got everything "password protected." And yes, not every hacker is like the guys in the movies who are able to keyboard their way through complicated layers of encrypted, password-protected security faster than a gamer boots up a new version of Call of Duty.
In the real world it's a lot easier than that. And no, this isn't actually a tutorial about how to break into someone's computer or smart phone or tablet. Just an observation of sorts. A caution to our loyal readers, if you like.
The Brand Keys 2012 Customer Loyalty Engagement Index reveals that consumers choose laptop computers on the basis of anything but security. Instead, consumers tend to select on the basis of factors like innovative design and brand reputation. This doesn't mean that security isn't important, but that it does mean that it's an afterthought. Which becomes obvious when you consider how people select their security passwords.
A recent study found that the most common password used by the average business is – wait for it – "Password1." It's easy because it meets the three recommendations that appear in most electronic device security applications: a word that has capital and lower case letters and a numeric. It's also wildly creative, as the many thousands of people who share it could tell you.
Below is a list of the 10 most-favored passwords. If yours is there you A) ought to think about changing it, or B) post your Social Security, credit card, and bank account numbers, and any other private information you think might be useful on your Facebook page.
- Password1
- letmein
- Secure1
- Abc123
- 123456
- monkey
- Facebook1
- passworD
- link2012
- (your first name)
Oh, and though it's from an older, non-digital source, it would be well to remember the words of Confucius when setting your passwords: "When in a state of security, do not forget the possibility of ruin."
