Last updated: January 2023
Understanding why people choose weak passwords can help us create better security habits. Here's what research reveals about password psychology:
People prioritize memorability over security, often choosing passwords tied to personal information they won't forget.
Many believe their simple passwords are secure enough, underestimating hacker capabilities.
The sheer number of accounts leads to password reuse and simplification to cope with cognitive load.
Adding a single symbol or number to a common word (like "password1!") creates a false sense of security.
People resist changing passwords they've used for years due to emotional comfort with familiar patterns.
Short, simple passwords are easier to type quickly, especially on mobile devices.
Personal information in passwords (pet names, birthdays) makes them vulnerable to targeted attacks.
Users perceive security measures as obstacles to their primary task goals.
Password choices often reflect cultural references, sports teams, or local landmarks.
Education about actual risks and tools like our password checker can help shift behaviors toward better security.