{"id":4708,"date":"2022-01-20T14:41:06","date_gmt":"2022-01-20T14:41:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2022\/01\/20\/your-keyboard-walking-password-isnt-complex-or-secure-review-geek\/"},"modified":"2022-01-20T14:41:06","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T14:41:06","slug":"your-keyboard-walking-password-isnt-complex-or-secure-review-geek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2022\/01\/20\/your-keyboard-walking-password-isnt-complex-or-secure-review-geek\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Keyboard Walking Password Isn\u2019t Complex Or Secure \u2013 Review Geek"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Keyboard
Apple<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Each year security experts plead for the general public to use unique and more secure passwords, but every year we\u2019re reminded that the most-used passwords are awful<\/a>. A popular trend is known as \u201ckeyboard walking,\u201d and while the passwords look strong, secure, and often meet complexity standards, it\u2019s a well-known trick that you\u2019ll want to avoid.<\/p>\n

A recent report by WPEngine<\/a> detailed some of the most common passwords still being used in 2021, and it\u2019s not a good list. These include adding a number to the end, keyboard walking, and other potential security nightmares. Unfortunately, keyboard walking techniques like \u201c123456789\u201d or \u201cqwerty\u201d are still at the top of the list where users walk their fingers down the keyboard.<\/p>\n

Researchers found patterns across the keyboard, random letters and numbers, popular bands, clothing brands, and even passwords created out of pure laziness. Here\u2019s what you need to know, what to avoid, and how to create strong passwords.<\/p>\n

What Is Password Walking or Keyboard Walking?<\/h2>\n
\"Password
WPEngine<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We get it. Password creation is a boring part of life we all have to do, often. Keyboard walking is explained as a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that neighbor one another on a keyboard<\/strong>. This happens on both desktop keyboards or layouts often used on smartphones.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re not just talking about easy keyboard walks like \u201c1234asdf\u201d either. People use fancy password walking methods that aren\u2019t any better. A prime example is \u201c1qazxcv\u201d, as shown below. A recent ransomware attack explained by AhnLab<\/a> revealed an entire company used this method for all administrator accounts, which ultimately got compromised. As you can see, convenience over security can end badly.<\/p>\n

\"keyboard
AhnLab<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many of the top passwords still used to this day\u00a0don\u2019t include patterns and are even easier to guess. But if you think you\u2019re being clever with a unique keyboard walk, it\u2019s not a good idea.<\/p>\n

When users \u201cpassword walk,\u201d they still create well-known and easy to guess passwords. Unfortunately, most hackers are very aware of this method, and password cracking software often tests for these exact same situations, according to one security expert on Twitter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cracking software can try hundreds if not thousands of different password combinations instantly, which is one of many reasons why easy passwords are frowned upon.<\/p>\n

Common Keyboard Walking Passwords to Avoid<\/h2>\n
\"Common
WPEngine<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It should go without saying, but at this point, you shouldn\u2019t be using any keyboard walking technique to create passwords. Above are a few of the most common keyboard patterns found in a study of 10 million passwords<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Another popular password that looks great at first, but isn\u2019t a good idea, is \u201cAdgjmptw.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>That may look like a random string of letters, but it\u2019s generated by pressing two\u00a0through nine\u00a0on a smartphone\u2019s dial pad. So yeah, don\u2019t do that.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re using any of the passwords shown above, or resemble one, now would be a good time to change your password.<\/p>\n

How to Create Secure Passwords<\/h2>\n
\"An
Natty_Blissful\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By now, you\u2019ve likely heard of a password manager, and if you don\u2019t use one, you probably should.\u00a0A password manager is a program or app that can store, generate, and manage all your passwords in one place. Additionally, it\u2019ll keep all your passwords under one master password, which will be the only one you\u2019ll need to remember.<\/p>\n

Typically, people use passwords that are too short, simple, and easy to crack. Even with\u00a0an increased awareness of privacy and security among the general public, most still don\u2019t use\u00a0password managers\u00a0and choose convenience over security.<\/p>\n

Having one master password is only half the battle, too. You\u2019ll want to use a password manager to assist in generating complex and strong passwords to replace your old easy ones, then keep them all safe behind an encrypted database.<\/p>\n

You may want to consider\u00a0paying for a password manager<\/a>\u00a0when making the switch. And don\u2019t worry, we put together a list of the best password managers<\/a>\u00a0worth trying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n