Professional hacker warns: It takes only 3 minutes to crack your password

If you think your password is safe, you should think again. A cybersecurity expert has revealed how quickly criminals can uncover login information. Many people continue to use dangerously basic passwords without realizing the risks. The warning includes specific recommendations to improve online security.

Brandyn Murtagh, an ethical hacker, revealed that cybercriminals can crack passwords in under three minutes using leaked data, as per a report by The US Sun. According to Virgin Media O2, millions of people continue to use simple passwords like "123456" or "password1."

ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe

How quickly could your password be compromised?

Murtagh, who works with companies to identify and fix security flaws, claims that criminals can access your personal information without advanced hacking skills. By combining data from previous breaches, attackers can obtain not only your login credentials but also information such as your address, phone number, and even locations you've recently visited, as per a report by The US Sun.

What are the weak passwords that put you at risk?

Virgin Media O2 conducted research and discovered concerning trends. Over one in every twenty Brits admitted to using "password" as a password, with others choosing "password1" or simple number strings like "123456" and "123456789." Surprisingly, 60% of adults continue to use simple passwords, while 32% use pet names or children's names, and 14% include their own birth dates.

ALSO READ: iPhone 17 rumors: Specs, cameras, colors and release date — everything we know so far

Despite widespread awareness of cyber threats, 45% continue to use the same combinations for years, and more than a quarter have never changed their email passwords. Banking details fare no better, with 35% never updating their login credentials, as per a report by The US Sun.

How can you increase your online security?

Murtagh recommends avoiding password reuse and instead creating combinations of at least 14 characters, preferably using random phrases. Wherever possible, two-factor authentication provides an important additional layer of security.

The study also found generational differences: only 20% of Boomers admitted to using easy-to-guess passwords, compared to 43% of Generation Z respondents. While password managers can be useful, 29% avoid them due to the fear of being locked out, with some resorting to writing passwords down on paper, as per a report by The US Sun.

Murray Mackenzie, director of fraud prevention at Virgin Media O2, emphasized that, while companies work hard to prevent fraudulent activity, the responsibility to protect accounts rests with individuals. Strong, unique passwords, especially for email, banking, and social media, remain the first and most important line of defense against cybercriminals, as per a report by The US Sun.

FAQs

How quickly can hackers break a weak password?
Often in under three minutes, hackers can crack a weak password.

What is the most secure way to protect accounts?
Create long, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.