Avoid these common online passwords

In 2015, people started using longer passwords for online accounts. But, they’re still so simple that hackers can easily get around them, reports CITopBroker.

Read: IIROC’s guide to boosting cyber security

“If longer passwords are based on simple patterns, they [still] put you in as much risk of having your identity stolen by hackers,” says Morgan Slain, CEO of SplashData, which analyzed more than two million leaked passwords in 2015.

Some of the most popular passwords for 2015, adds Slain, were “123456,” “password,” “qwerty” and “football.” Many people also choose to reference popular movies, such as Star Wars. For the list of the 25 most common passwords, click here.

And, for more on cyber security, read:

5 actions to reduce fraud risk

Security trends affecting businesses

Use of non-bank, online financial services to triple

5 advisor digital media trends for 2016

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.