Gen Z Lags in Password Security: Study Shows Common Weak Passwords Among Young Users
A recent analysis conducted by NordPass has shed light on the cybersecurity habits of Generation Z, revealing that they are less adept at creating secure passwords compared to older generations. The findings indicate that the most common password among Gen Z users is “12345,” which is notably simpler than the passwords typically used by older age groups. This study also highlights that “123456” remains the most frequently used password across all demographics, a trend that has persisted for the past seven years.
While there are slight variations in the types of passwords used by different age groups, such as an increased use of “skibidis” among younger users, the overall pattern of weak password selection remains consistent. Security experts caution that these commonly used passwords can be easily deciphered by automated systems, making users’ accounts vulnerable to breaches. The report underscores the importance of adopting stronger password practices to enhance online security for all users.
According to experts, the simplicity of these passwords makes them highly susceptible to attacks. Attackers can often gain unauthorized access to accounts by simply attempting to log in with these common combinations, without needing to engage in more complex hacking methods. This highlights a critical need for increased awareness and education regarding password security, particularly among younger users who may not yet have developed strong cybersecurity habits.