Strong passwords: 123456 still leads the way
- Cyberpeace Tech
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
In the midst of the digital age, where cyberattacks are increasing every year, millions of people continue to use simple combinations such as “123456” or “password” to protect their personal and work information.
This behavior shows that awareness of the importance of using strong passwords remains low, despite the constant efforts of companies, institutions, and cybersecurity experts.
A recent international analysis based on more than 2 billion passwords leaked in 2025 revealed that many compromised accounts repeated the same patterns. The most common were “123456,” “12345678,” and “123456789,” confirming that digital laziness continues to be a vulnerability exploited by cybercriminals.
Strong passwords: key to preventing cyberattacks
The study's results indicate that almost 40% of passwords contained the sequence “123” and a quarter were only numbers. Generic words such as “admin,” “qwerty,” or “welcome” were also identified, which are easily detectable by attackers.
This scenario reinforces the urgency of promoting the use of strong passwords among both individual users and Mexican organizations. In Mexico, where incidents of credential theft are increasing year after year, the use of weak passwords can compromise the information of employees, customers, and suppliers.
How to create secure passwords and protect your data
To keep your information safe, experts recommend following these basic practices:
Create secure passwords with at least 12 characters.
Combine uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid reusing the same password for different services.
Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts where possible.
In addition, password managers are a very useful tool, as they generate random passwords and store them in encrypted form, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
A challenge for Mexico: promoting digital education
The study reflects a global problem that also affects Mexico: the lack of education in digital security. Promoting the use of secure passwords in companies, schools, and public entities is essential to reduce exposure to cyberattacks.
Data protection begins with responsible habits and a culture of prevention.
At Cyberpeace, we promote a safer digital culture. Remembering the importance of creating secure passwords is only the first step in protecting your data. Prevention, education, and awareness are your best defenses against cyber threats.
Want to learn more about cybersecurity and how to strengthen your digital protection? Follow our social media accounts and stay one step ahead of cyberattacks.
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