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Passwords are a major security concern, and your safety online starts with a strong and unique password. Increasingly common are password patterns, which involve drawing either letters or numbers in a specific shape to form a recognizable design. Common pattern passwords, such as drawing small circles in a specific direction or path, are often memorable to the user but are also considered less secure than random, alphanumeric passwords. To protect your online information, it’s important to understand the risks of using pattern passwords and to employ other security measures to ensure your data is safe.
1. Uncovering the Most Common Passwords Pattern
With our growing number of digital accounts and logins, having a secure password is more critical than ever. It can protect our information from unwanted access, but many of us tend to rely on easily guessable passwords. To help strengthen our online security, let’s take a look at some of the most common password patterns.
Many people get stuck in a rut when attempting to come up with variations of their passwords. To make it easier, some of the most commonly seen patterns include:
- Typing out entire words: This includes using words like “password” or a name.
- Placing a number at the end of the password: Such as adding “123” at the end.
- Having a mix of capital and small letters: This usually includes the same combination every time, for example, PaSsweORd2.
Apart from being easy to guess, these types of passwords are also easily targeted using cyber-attacks. For optimal security, try to include a combination of letters, numbers, and characters. Make sure to use a different password for each account as well to ensure that, if one of them gets compromised, your other accounts will remain safe.
2. What are ‘Pattern Passwords’ and Why Do People Use Them?
Pattern Passwords: Definition and Advantages
Pattern passwords are a type of passcode used to unlock mobile devices and some online accounts. They are a security measure that require you to solve a ‘puzzle’ before you can access your device or account. To solve the puzzle, you have to create a pattern with your finger, drawing the path on the screen.
Pattern passwords offer several advantages to users. For starters, they are easy to remember since the user is the one who creates the pattern. Instead of having to remember complicated and confusing combinations of letters and numbers, users just have to remember their own pattern. Furthermore, pattern passwords offer enhanced security protection, as no two people can have the same security pattern.
In addition, pattern passwords are more convenient for people with limited manual dexterity. As such passwords only take a couple of seconds to register, compared to longer and difficult-to-enter passwords. Finally, pattern passwords are not only about security; they can also be a creative way to show off your personality and express yourself.
3. The Do’s and Don’ts of Pattern Passwords
Pattern passwords are one of the easiest to memorize, but they can be quite confusing when it comes to choosing the right combinations. To help you build a strong and secure one, here are some dos and don’ts to remember.
Do:
- Make sure your patterns are complex enough by using more than two lines
- Make your combinations meaningful – the more memorable the better
- Avoid symmetric patterns as much as possible
Don’t:
- Share your pattern with anyone
- Allow for backwards movements — this can make your password predictable
- Be too easy — choose more complicated patterns with multiple lines and angles
4. How to Create a Strong Password without a Pattern?
Creating strong passwords without a pattern is an important step in ensuring your online security. Having a difficult to crack password prevents hackers and cyber criminals from getting access to your personal information. Follow these steps to create a strong password without a pattern:
Choose an Unpredictable Passwords:
Choose passwords that are long and difficult to guess. Avoid using your name, birthday, or other information which is easily accessible. Use a combination of numbers, special characters, and letters to make it difficult for a hacker to guess it.
Use A Password Manager:
In order to keep your passwords secure, use a password manager such as or . This way, you can create strong passwords without needing to remember them all. The password manager will store all of your passwords in one secure place so that you only have to remember one master password to access all of your passwords. Also, password managers often have features that will check the strength of your passwords to ensure that they are secure.
Pattern locks and weak passwords are common security vulnerabilities found on Android phones. The success rate of breaking into a device using a common pattern lock is high, especially when simple patterns or common habits are used. Complex pattern combinations provide more security, but even they can be vulnerable to dictionary attacks or pattern-based passwords. Users are often advised to use stronger passwords instead, as password dumps and password lists make predictable passwords a popular target for hackers. Specops Software offers third-party tools to help users find a balance between complexity and memorability when creating passwords. Biometric authentication methods, such as facial recognition software, are becoming more popular alternatives to passwords due to their higher security levels. It is essential for Android device users to be aware of the types of screen locks available and to choose a secure method to protect their data. Additionally, incorporating a mix of uppercase letters, character substitution, and additional characters can significantly increase the security of passwords. By understanding the basics of password security and authentication methods, users can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to their devices and personal information. Sources: Specops Software, Android Authority, Password Analyst.
Common Password Patterns Vs. Strong Passwords
| Password Patterns | Strong Passwords |
|---|---|
| Typing out entire words | Choose unpredictable combinations |
| Placing a number at the end | Avoid using easily guessable information |
| Capital and small letters mix | Use numbers, special characters, and letters |
| Symmetric patterns | Make complex and meaningful patterns |
| Sharing passwords | Use a password manager |
Q&A
Q: What is a common pattern passwords?
A: A common pattern passwords is a password where you use a pattern of numbers, letters, and symbols to create a password. For example, you might use “###abc” as a pattern password, where the “#” represents a number, and the “abc” represents a letter. This makes it harder for people to guess your password.
Q: What are common pattern locks used on Android phones?
A: Android patterns, simple patterns, complex patterns, 9-dot Android pattern lock combinations, air jet pattern.
Q: How secure are pattern-based passwords compared to other methods?
A: Pattern-based passwords are commonly used but can be weak due to predictable patterns and common habits. It is advised to use complex pattern combinations for a more secure pattern lock screen on Android devices.
Q: What are some common weak passwords that are often used?
A: Popular passwords, predictable passwords, password dumps, common unlock patterns, dictionary attacks.
Q: How can users create stronger passwords to protect their devices?
A: Users should avoid using common passwords, and instead opt for stronger passwords with a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Physical authentication methods such as biometrics can also provide an added layer of security.
Q: Are there third-party tools available to help users improve their password security?
A: Third-party software such as Specops Password Auditor can assist users in evaluating the strength of their passwords and identifying any potential vulnerabilities.
Q: What factors should users consider when choosing a pattern lock for their device?
A: Users should consider the balance between complexity and memorability when choosing a pattern lock. It is important to avoid using common patterns and habits to ensure the security of the device.
Q: How do password leaks and password lists contribute to the vulnerability of passwords?
A: Password leaks and password lists containing common password candidates make it easier for attackers to guess or crack passwords using standard password cracking methods. Users should be mindful of the age of their passwords and regularly update them to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Creating a complex password to keep your accounts safe and secure is a step in the right direction. However, remembering the passwords can be tricky. One of the best ways to make sure you are secure is to utilise a password manager such as LogMeOnce. LogMeOnce offers a FREE account for users, helping them create, store, and manage all of their passwords in one secure place. Forgetting your password login will never be a concern. LogMeOnce features such as unique passwords and two-step authentication can help protect your online accounts from common pattern passwords and other cyber threats. LogMeOnce makes managing multiple passwords effortless and straightforward.
Faye Hira, a distinguished graduate from the University of Okara, has carved a niche for herself in the field of English language education and digital marketing. With a Bachelor of Science in English, she specializes in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL), a skill she has honed with dedication and passion. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom and content writer, as she has also made significant strides in the world of Content and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). As an SEO Executive, Faye combines her linguistic prowess with technical acumen to enhance online visibility and engagement.
