773rd Most Common Password: What It Is and Why You Should Avoid It

The digital age has ushered in convenience but also unprecedented risk: weak passwords remain one of the most persistent threats to individual and organizational security. Among the thousands of passwords used globally, “123qwe” consistently ranks as the 773rd most common password across multiple leaks and breach datasets. Though seemingly random to some, this password’s appearance on public “most common” lists is not a coincidence. Understanding why such a password regularly appears in global breach compilations provides critical insight into the anatomy of poor password hygiene—and serves as a cautionary tale for anyone relying on convenience over security.

Why “123qwe” Became the 773rd Most Common Password

Most people underestimate the ease with which attackers can guess simple passwords. In recent years, data from colleges, enterprises, and popular password managers have revealed a troubling pattern: combinations that feel “unique” to users—such as appending a keyboard pattern onto a sequential number—are in fact widely predictable.

The Recipe for a Predictable Password

“123qwe” appears secure to the untrained eye because it blends numerals and letters. However, its composition follows two adjacent keyboard sequences—“123” and “qwe”—that are easy to type and remember. Threat actors, however, are well aware of such patterns. When analyzing the passwords exposed in breaches, security firm SplashData repeatedly observed such hybrid patterns gaining traction.

Data-Backed Prevalence

According to analyses of data dumps from major breaches, “123qwe” regularly appears among the top 1,000 passwords globally. Studies aggregating millions of leaked credentials show it is favored for its simplicity. Password managers like NordPass and LastPass have corroborated its repeated appearance in their annual “most used passwords” reports.

How Attackers Exploit Common Passwords

Armed with dictionaries of the most common passwords, hackers employ automated tools to guess logins at an industrial scale. Even passwords that merge letters and numbers—if based on recognizable patterns—provide surprisingly minimal protection.

Brute Force and Credential Stuffing at Scale

Credential stuffing attacks make use of lists that include passwords like “123qwe.” Once a password is included in a widely circulated breach list, it’s not just a liability for the original compromised account, but for every other account using it. In practical terms, attackers can test thousands of login combinations per second using off-the-shelf tools.

“Relying on any password that features prominently in public breach reports is like leaving the key under the doormat — attackers know exactly where to look,” says cybersecurity researcher Jenna Mallory.

Real World Implications

The 773rd most common password can unlock more than just email. Employees sometimes reuse the same credentials across personal and work accounts, multiplying the risk. One study by the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that over 80% of hacking-related breaches involved either brute-force attacks or stolen credentials.

Why Password Uniqueness Matters

Simply avoiding the obvious isn’t enough. Modern security best practices demand passwords that are both sufficiently long and unique for every service.

The Pitfalls of Pattern-Based Passwords

Users believe complexity is achieved through adding a number or symbol. But, as the 773rd most common password demonstrates, predictability stems more from patterns than from individual characters. Attackers exploit this by prioritizing guesses along common keyboard paths.

The Domino Effect of a Single Breach

When passwords like “123qwe” are cracked in one context, attackers use automated scripts to test the same credentials elsewhere—a phenomenon known as “credential stuffing.” This undermines security on a massive scale.

Behavioral Bias

Many users continue a “pattern bias,” using adjacent keystrokes or birth years, thinking it boosts security. In truth, predictable passwords make attacks cheaper and faster for malicious actors.

Building a Robust Password Strategy

Mitigating the risk tied to common passwords requires both individual awareness and organizational culture change. Education, technology, and policy each play a role.

Password Managers: Your First Line of Defense

Storing and generating passwords through dedicated tools reduces reliance on human memory and the temptation of patterns. Password managers auto-generate highly unique, random passwords beyond the capacity of most users to devise themselves.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Beyond strong passwords, enabling 2FA adds a layer of security, rendering stolen passwords considerably less useful. Even if a password is compromised, a second authentication factor blocks many attacks.

Company-Wide Initiatives

Major cloud providers and security-conscious firms now require periodic password audits. They blacklist the most common passwords—including “123qwe”—as unacceptable during account creation and updates. This industry leadership nudges broader shifts in security hygiene.

Conclusion: The High Cost of Convenience

The 773rd most common password—“123qwe”—symbolizes more than just a spot on a list: it encapsulates the persistent risk posed by habit and convenience. Globally, attackers continue to breach accounts because familiar, easy-to-type passwords give them a head start. Moving beyond pattern-based choices requires not only individual diligence but systemic support and education. Adopting robust passwords, leveraging password managers, and enabling 2FA are not merely technical solutions—they are necessary steps in a world where the costs of inaction continue to rise.

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FAQs

What is the 773rd most common password?
Based on analyses of leaked data, “123qwe” is recognized as the 773rd most common password globally. This combination is derived from simple, adjacent patterns on the keyboard that are easy to guess.

Why is “123qwe” so risky to use as a password?
Its popularity stems from being easy to remember and quick to type, but that makes it a prime target in password-guessing tools. Attackers specifically include such passwords in brute-force and credential stuffing attempts.

How do attackers exploit common passwords like “123qwe”?
Cybercriminals use automated tools containing vast lists of common passwords to quickly test login credentials across multiple websites. This method successfully breaches many accounts that use predictable passwords.

What makes a password “good” compared to “bad” ones like “123qwe”?
A good password is sufficiently long (ideally 12+ characters), unique for every account, and avoids all dictionary words, patterns, or easily guessable sequences. Random combinations generated through password managers offer excellent protection.

What can individuals and companies do to prevent weak password use?
Individuals should use password managers and enable two-factor authentication for all important accounts. Companies should enforce password blacklists, require strong password creation, and provide ongoing security awareness training.