123456: The Worst Password of the Year 2011

Below is a list of 25 worst passwords 2011, compiled by SplashData. The developer of security software has collected a list of millions of stolen English-language passwords posted on a network of hackers. Not surprisingly, the most common passwords are also the worst ones, including "password", "123456" and "QWERTY". Even passwords that seem unique, like "trustno1" and "shadow," are actually quite common. And why does "monkey" always appear in these lists?

Here is the complete list:

1. password

2. 123456

3. 12345678

4. qwerty

5. abc123

6. monkey

7. 1234567

8. letmein

9. trustno1

10. dragon

11. baseball

12. 111111

13. iloveyou

14. master

15. sunshine

16. ashley

17. bailey

18. passw0rd

19. shadow

20. 123123

21. 654321

22. superman

23. qazwsx

24. michael

25. football

SplashData offers to save your data:

First, create a strong password consisting of letters, numbers and symbols. If you're worried about how to remember a long password, try using short-phrase phrases separated by an underscore, for example: "shiny_phones_rule_1". The phrase is easier to remember than a long abstract jumble of symbols.

Secondly, try to observe security and not use the same password throughout the Internet. At the very least, try to use separate passwords for important sites, such as online banking and e-mail. The last thing you'll think about is using the same passwords for a weakly protected web forum and your bank account.

You can do super-simple: use software that manages passwords, for example LastPass, Roboform, SplashID or free KeePass. These programs remember all your passwords, which allows you to create long complex strings of letters and numbers that you otherwise could not remember.

In addition, there are various guides for creating more complex passwords, as well as tips on the security of your password. By following these tips, you are in a better position than the person who uses the password "abc123".