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Study Highlights:
- The average internet user has 17 passwords for logging into various websites and services
- Users most commonly use up to five of these passwords for 90% of their logins, and use others when a login forces them to make a new one to match specific password requirements
- Users struggle to remember more than 3 passwords, and express frustration with being locked out after so few attempts (despite the added security lockouts can provide to sensitive logins like banking and email)
In today’s digital world, passwords are crucial for protecting our online accounts, but with so many accounts to manage, keeping track of passwords can be difficult. A recent poll conducted in April 2023 among US respondents reveals that the average person has over 17 passwords they use, but most commonly cycle through only five of them at a time when asked to change it. This article will delve into the details of the poll and explore the implications of password management for individuals and online security.
How many passwords does the average person have?
The poll was conducted among 1,056 US adults in April 2023 using an online survey. Respondents were asked about their password habits and were asked to estimate the number of passwords they use regularly. They were also asked how frequently they change their passwords and how many they can remember without resetting.
Study results:
The results of the poll revealed that the average person has over 17 passwords they use regularly. However, when asked to change their passwords, most people only cycle through five of them. This suggests that people tend to have a core set of passwords that they use across multiple accounts, which can make them vulnerable to cyber attacks if one of those passwords is compromised.
In addition, the poll found that most people can only remember 3-4 of their passwords without resetting them. This means that people are likely resetting their passwords for various services at least once a month. The need for frequent password resets can be frustrating and time-consuming for users, but it is a necessary security measure to protect against cyber attacks.
Password security discussion:
The results of the poll highlight the importance of password management and the challenges that individuals face in managing their passwords. Passwords are critical for protecting sensitive information, such as financial data, personal information, and confidential communications. If a password is compromised, it can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.
However, remembering multiple passwords can be difficult, especially when each password has its own set of requirements, such as uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. As a result, many people resort to using weak passwords or reusing passwords across multiple accounts, which puts them at risk of cyber attacks.
Experts recommend that people use a password manager to store and generate complex passwords for each account. Password managers can also help users keep track of their passwords and reduce the need for frequent password resets. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another security measure that online security experts recommend to enhance password security. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection to accounts by requiring a second factor, such as a fingerprint, face ID, or a one-time code sent to a mobile device.
Conclusion:
The poll conducted in April 2023 among US respondents revealed that the average person has over 17 passwords they use regularly, but most commonly cycle through only five of them when asked to change it. This highlights the importance of password management and the challenges that individuals face in managing their passwords. Experts recommend the use of password managers and 2FA to enhance password security and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
In today’s digital world, it is essential to take password security seriously. By implementing best practices, such as using a password manager and enabling 2FA, individuals can protect themselves from cyber threats and safeguard their sensitive information.
