Millions of Brits are using their pets' names as online passwords, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has found.
Despite being an easy target for online hackers, research found that 15% of the population use common dog and cat names for passwords, while 14% use a family member's name. As much as we love our pets, these types of computer passwords make it easier for hackers to access as they simply guess common pet names.
On the back of these findings, the NCSC are urging people to choose harder-to-crack words that cannot be easily guessed, such as three random words.
Nicola Hudson, communications director at the NCSC, told the BBC: "We may be a nation of animal lovers, but using your pet's name as a password could make you an easy target for callous cyber-criminals. Millions of accounts could be easily breached by criminals using trial-and-error techniques."
Other problematic passwords include a string of numbers such as "123456" (6%), a favourite TV show (5%) and a sports team (6%). Shockingly, it also found that 6% used the word "password" in their login. It might be tempting to choose something simple to remember, but these common words and phrases make it easier for hackers gain access to accounts.
Elsewhere, research found that around 40% of respondents have never used one of these weak passwords before, with 27% of Brits saying they had created more than four password-protected accounts.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
