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Revealed: The 10 most popular and worst passwords of 2024

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Revealed: The 10 most popular and worst passwords of 2024

Let’s be honest: How many times have you used something like “123456” or “123123” as your password? With so many online accounts to juggle, it’s tempting to go for simple passwords, even though we know they’re weak. Unfortunately, a report from NordPass shows we’re still making the same mistakes when it comes to keeping our accounts secure.

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Facebook login page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2024’s most popular (and insecure) passwords

NordPass has released its compilation of the top 200 most popular passwords used for personal and business purposes. Collaborating with threat management company NordStellar, NordPass analyzed a massive 2.5TB database of global passwords, including those sourced from the dark web. Spoiler alert: They’re still shockingly insecure.

Login page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The password hall of shame

We’re all guilty of using weak passwords at some point, but the extent of this digital negligence is truly staggering. For the sixth consecutive year, “123456” claims the dubious honor of being the most common password used by over 3 million people.

It’s followed closely by its slightly more “complex” cousins: “123456789” and “12345678.” But wait, it gets worse. The password “password” still ranks high on the list, used by nearly 700,000 people. It’s as if we’re collectively daring hackers to break into our accounts.

Instagram login page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THIS SNEAKY MALWARE IS AFTER YOUR PASSWORDS AND PERSONAL DATA

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Top 10 most common passwords 

Here are the top 10 most common passwords of 2024, according to NordPass:

1) 123456 

2) 123456789 

3) 12345678 

4) password 

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5) qwerty123 

6) qwerty1 

7) 111111 

8) 12345 

9) secret 

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10) 123123

Corporate carelessness

You might think that in professional settings, where sensitive data is at stake, people would be more cautious. Think again. The corporate world mirrors personal password habits alarmingly closely. The same weak passwords dominate business accounts, with “123456” leading the pack, used in over 1.2 million instances.

Login page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

DATA BROKER BLUNDERS AS MILLIONS ARE EXPOSED WITH PUBLIC PASSWORDS

The consequences of weak passwords

Using such easily guessable passwords is like leaving your front door wide open in a neighborhood full of burglars. These passwords can be cracked in less than a second, potentially leading to account compromise, identity theft and a host of other digital nightmares.

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Login page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Strengthening your digital defenses

So, how can we break this cycle of password mediocrity?

1) Go long: Aim for passwords that are at least 20 characters long.

2) Mix it up: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special symbols.

3) Unique is key: Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts.

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4) Regular reviews: Periodically assess and update your passwords.

5) Consider using a password manager: A password manager will securely store and generate complex passwords. It will also help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess. In addition, it keeps track of all your passwords in one place and fills passwords in for you when you’re logging into an account so that you never have to remember them yourself. The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you will be to reuse them for your accounts.

What qualities should I look for in a password manager?

When it comes to choosing the best password manager for you, here are some of my top tips:

  • Deploys secure
  • Works seamlessly across all of your devices
  • Creates unique complicated passwords that are different for every account
  • Automatically populates login and password fields for apps and sites you revisit
  • Has a browser extension for all browsers you use to automatically insert passwords for you
  • Allows a fail-safe in case the primary password is ever lost or forgotten
  • Checks that your existing passwords remain safe and alerts you if ever compromised
  • Uses two-factor authentication security

Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2024 here.

6) Start using passkeys: Passkeys are designed to replace traditional passwords and are steadily gaining traction, particularly among major companies and websites. Far more secure and reliable than conventional passwords, passkeys enable automatic sign-ins to websites and apps using facial recognition, fingerprint authentication or a physical security key.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s clear that we need to step up our password game. Using weak passwords like “123456” is a gamble we can’t afford to take, especially with so much of our lives online. By taking simple steps, like creating longer, more complex passwords and using a password manager, we can better protect ourselves from cyber threats. Let’s make 2025 the year we prioritize our digital security and leave those outdated passwords behind.

What’s the worst password you’ve ever used, and did anything bad happen because of it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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