The Most Used (and Least Secure) Passwords in Canada: Are You Guilty?

Each year, cybersecurity experts issue the same warning: choose strong, secure passwords! Yet, many people still rely on overly simplistic and predictable options, leaving their personal accounts vulnerable to hackers. In Canada, the trend is no different. Let’s take a look at the top offenders and discuss why it's critical to leave these bad habits behind.

PASSWORDSCANADA

11/16/20242 min read

Canada’s Top Password Offenders

Here are some of the most used passwords in Canada, based on the latest reports. Spoiler alert: they’re cracked in seconds, making them no match for even the laziest hackers.

qwerty123
- Users: 17,135
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  Keyboard patterns like this might be easy to type, but they’re just as easy to hack. Avoid anything that looks like it’s straight off the top row of your keyboard.
123456
- Users: 16,802
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  Short, numeric sequences like this are a hacker’s best friend. Simple doesn’t mean safe!
qwerty1
- Users: 15,832
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  Adding a single number doesn’t make this password stronger. It’s still predictable and risky.
password
- Users: 11,905
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  The “OG” of bad passwords. If this is your go-to, it’s time to rethink your approach to security.
123456789
- Users: 6,670
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  Longer strings of numbers might feel more secure, but hackers are onto you.
12345678
- Users: 4,468
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  Length is only one part of the equation; randomness is essential.
qwerty
- Users: 3,400
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  It’s on every keyboard, and hackers know it.
9-11-1961
- Users: 2,511
- Time to Crack: 9 seconds
  Birthdays or dates might feel personal, but they’re easily guessed — especially with social media giving clues.
secret
- Users: 2,380
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  Ironically, this password is anything but secret.
12345
- Users: 2,345
- Time to Crack: Less than 1 second
  Shorter sequences are even less secure. Avoid these like the plague.

Other Notable Passwords in Top 20

Other passwords which are in the top 20 list include: Password, iloveyou, hockey, 123123, Canada

Why Do Weak Passwords Persist?

Convenience. Many people choose passwords they can easily remember or type, but convenience comes at the cost of security. Weak passwords are easy to guess using brute-force attacks or common password lists, leaving you exposed to account breaches and identity theft.

How to Secure Your Accounts

Use a Password Manager
Tools like NordPass can generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
Think Long and Random
A good password is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid Common Patterns
Steer clear of keyboard sequences, dates, and simple words like "password."
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email in addition to your password.

The Bottom Line

If you spotted your password on this list, it’s time for an upgrade. Weak passwords might save you a few seconds in the short term, but they can cost you everything in the long run. Take the time to secure your accounts today, and make hackers’ jobs a little harder tomorrow.

Stay safe, Canada! Your online security is worth the effort.