A NordPass analysis has revealed that members of Generation Z are less secure with their passwords than older generations, despite the perception that younger users are more tech-savvy. The study indicates that while some Gen Z individuals might attempt to use slightly more complex passwords, such as ‘skibidis,’ the majority still rely on basic and easily guessable combinations. The most common password across all age groups remains ‘123456,’ a string that has held the title of the most common password for six years out of seven, according to the report.
Security experts have warned that the use of such predictable passwords presents a significant risk to digital security. According to Security.org, hackers can crack any of these passwords instantly, and attackers often do not need to expend resources to breach an account. Instead, they can use password spraying techniques, where they attempt to log in with a list of commonly used passwords at an authentication API, securing a quick win without much effort.
The findings highlight a broader issue in cybersecurity practices, where the simplicity of passwords continues to be a major vulnerability, regardless of the user’s age or technological familiarity. As the reliance on online services grows, the need for stronger and more secure password habits becomes increasingly critical for all users.