Numbers that should not be included in a password because criminals can easily guess them, according to artificial intelligence
In an increasingly digital world, passwords have become the first line of defense to protect users’ personal and sensitive information. However, many people make the mistake of choosing passwords that are easy to remember and therefore easy to hack. One of the main factors that facilitate cyber attacks is the use of numbers that are very common, predictable, or follow simple patterns.
- Numbers that should not be included in the password
ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI, has conducted an analysis on why certain numbers should be avoided when creating a strong password and how using them can compromise security.
Many users, out of convenience or lack of security awareness, resort to numbers like “123456,” “111111,” or “12345” as part of their passwords. These are extremely common, and in fact, appear on many lists of the most hacked passwords. Attackers often use software that tests combinations of numbers that follow common patterns, meaning a simple sequence can be cracked in a matter of seconds.
According to cybersecurity experts, these sequences of numbers pose no challenge to modern hacking software, which is designed to perform brute force attacks, trying thousands or millions of combinations in a very short time.
When designing a strong password, it is essential to use a random combination of letters, symbols, and numbers, and avoid any numbers that are predictable. This is because the algorithms used in brute force or dictionary attacks test not only common word combinations, but also logical or recurring number sequences. For example, birth dates, such as “1990” or “2020,” are also numbers to avoid, as attackers can easily guess them once they know the user’s personal information.
The lack of variety in your password significantly reduces its effectiveness. The simpler it is, the easier it is for cybercriminals to crack it using quick search algorithms. That's why experts suggest incorporating random numbers into your passwords, along with upper and lowercase letters and symbols, to make them more resistant to attacks.
Another factor to consider is the use of keyboard patterns, such as “qwerty” or “asdfgh,” which are also easy to guess. While these aren’t exact numbers, they do follow a logical pattern that makes the attackers’ job easier. Many users tend to create passwords that contain combinations like “1qaz2wsx” or “123qwe,” thinking they’re more secure, but they’re actually vulnerable to automated attack methods.
To improve password security, experts recommend using random password generators and password managers that can help you create complex combinations, without having to remember them all. It is also advisable to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible, which provides an extra layer of security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
With the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks, it is imperative that users take effective steps to protect their personal information through more complex passwords and strong security practices. Ignoring these principles can leave accounts vulnerable to hacking, putting users’ security and privacy at risk in an increasingly technology-dependent environment.