Most people know they should use strong passwords, but convenience often wins out over security.
The issue is that hackers rely on these common mistakes to break into accounts and steal personal information. A weak or badly managed password can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, and even losing access to important accounts. If you’re making any of these missteps, here’s how to fix them before it’s too late.
1. Using the same password for everything
Source: Unsplash Reusing the same password across multiple accounts is one of the biggest security risks you can take. If one site gets hacked and your password is leaked, cybercriminals can use it to access your other accounts, especially if you use the same email and password combination everywhere. It only takes one breach for a hacker to have access to everything from your bank account to your social media.
Fix it by using a unique password for every account. If that sounds impossible to remember, a password manager can securely store and generate strong passwords for you, so you don’t have to memorise them all. This way, even if one password gets compromised, the rest of your accounts stay protected.
2. Choosing easy-to-guess passwords
Passwords like “password123,” “qwerty,” or even your own name might be easy to remember, but they’re also easy for hackers to guess. Cybercriminals use automated tools that test millions of common passwords in seconds, making weak choices completely ineffective. Even slightly more complex passwords — like adding an exclamation mark at the end — aren’t enough to keep you safe.
Fix it by using complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The longer, the better — aim for at least 12 to 16 characters. If you struggle to remember them, try using a passphrase made up of unrelated words, like “Elephant$Rainbow?Laptop9”. It’s still hard for hackers to crack but much easier for you to remember. These days, browsers and operating systems often generate these strings for you, and they’ll even save them so you don’t lose track of them, as well.
3. Using personal information in your passwords
If your password includes your name, birthday, pet’s name, or anything else that can be found on your social media, you’re making it far too easy for hackers. Many cybercriminals use personal details to crack passwords, especially when they target specific people. Even using slight variations, like changing a letter to a number, doesn’t make it much safer.
Fix it by creating passwords that don’t include any personal information. Instead, use a random mix of words, numbers, and symbols that have no connection to your life. The more random your password is, the harder it is for anyone to guess—even someone who knows you well.
4. Storing passwords in an unsafe way
Writing your passwords down in a notebook, saving them in a notes app, or keeping them in an email might feel convenient, but it’s also risky. If someone gains access to your device or finds your written list, they instantly have access to all your accounts. Even saving them in an unprotected document on your computer leaves you vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Fix it by using a password manager to store passwords securely. If you prefer to write them down, keep the list in a locked drawer or safe — never in an easily accessible place. Avoid keeping digital copies unless they’re encrypted and password-protected.
5. Not enabling two-factor authentication (2FA)
Even if you have a strong password, it’s still vulnerable if a website gets hacked. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step, like a code sent to your phone, before allowing access to your account. Without 2FA, a hacker only needs your password to break in.
Fix it by enabling 2FA on all accounts that offer it, especially banking, email, and social media. This makes it a lot harder for hackers to break in, even if they manage to steal your password. Many platforms also offer app-based authentication (like Google Authenticator) instead of SMS codes, which adds even more protection.
6. Falling for phishing scams
Hackers don’t always break in by guessing passwords — sometimes, they trick people into handing them over. Phishing emails and fake websites are designed to look legitimate, tricking users into entering their login details. These scams are getting more sophisticated, often mimicking real companies with official-looking emails and urgent warnings.
Fix it by never clicking on suspicious links or entering your password on unfamiliar websites. Always double-check the URL and verify the sender before entering any sensitive information. If an email claims your account is at risk, go directly to the company’s website rather than clicking any links.
7. Ignoring security alerts
If you get an email saying someone has tried to log into your account from an unknown location, don’t ignore it. These alerts are there to warn you that your password may have been compromised. Even if you don’t recognise the attempt, hackers might already have your details and be testing different access points.
Fix it by changing your password immediately if you receive a security alert. Also, check your account activity for any suspicious logins and enable additional security measures if necessary. If an account allows you to receive login attempt notifications, keep them turned on.
8. Not updating passwords regularly
Source: Unsplash Using the same password for years increases the risk of it being leaked in a data breach. The longer you use a password, the more time hackers have to crack it, especially if it’s weak. If an old password was compromised years ago, but you’re still using it somewhere, your accounts are at risk.
Fix it by updating your passwords every few months, especially for sensitive accounts like banking and email. If a website suffers a security breach, change your password for that account immediately. If you use a password manager, set reminders to update passwords regularly.
9. Using browser auto-fill for passwords
Source: Unsplash Saving passwords in your browser might seem convenient, but it’s not the safest option. If malware or an unauthorised person gains access to your device, they can easily retrieve saved login credentials. Cybercriminals have even created tools that can extract saved passwords in seconds.
Fix it by disabling browser auto-fill and using a password manager instead. A good password manager encrypts your information, making it much harder for hackers to steal. If you do use browser auto-fill, make sure your device is password-protected and encrypted.
10. Not checking if your passwords have been leaked
Source: Unsplash Many people don’t realise their passwords have already been exposed in data breaches. If your login details have been leaked, hackers could be attempting to access your accounts without you even knowing. Most people only find out when it’s too late, after they’ve already been locked out or hacked.
Fix it by using a tool like Have I Been Pwned to check if your passwords have been compromised. If they have, change them immediately and ensure you’re using unique, strong passwords for every account. Also, avoid using any old passwords that have been exposed in past breaches.
