5 Password Combinations You Should Never Use Based on a Real Test
Think your password is safe? I tested weak ones for 7 days—just to see how risky they really are.
Each day, I used a password most people assume is “fine.” I picked common formats like numbers, names, and easy phrases. And I watched what happened.
The results were honestly worse than expected. Even on dummy accounts, I received alerts, phishing emails, and suspicious activity—all within hours.
This blog isn’t just about warning you. It’s about showing you the patterns to avoid, the habits that help, and the small shifts that can protect your entire digital life.
- Why I Did This Password Test
- Day-by-Day Summary of Results
- Top 5 Passwords You Must Avoid
- Before and After: My Login Security
- How to Build Strong, Memorable Passwords
- Final Thoughts and Safe Habits
Why I Did This Password Test
I wanted to see how fast “bad” passwords fall apart in real use.
Over seven days, I set up test accounts using weak passwords that many people still rely on. These weren’t random choices—they were all pulled from the world’s most used lists.
Each day, I logged in, checked my email, and monitored any strange behavior. I also ran each password through public data breach checkers to see if they'd been leaked before.
Within 72 hours, I had evidence of attempted logins, account lockouts, and one browser warning I didn’t expect. It was a simple test—but the outcome was very real.
Day-by-Day Summary of Results
Here’s what happened when I used each password for one full day.
By Day 3, I almost gave up. The speed at which red flags appeared was honestly scary—even for throwaway test accounts.
And I get it. These passwords feel “good enough” in the moment. But I learned firsthand: what feels simple can actually be wide open.
By Day 5, I felt like I was watching the same horror movie on repeat—just with a different title each time.
These passwords were predictable, and the internet knew it. Some were flagged instantly by Chrome’s built-in warnings. Others had already been leaked multiple times online.
Top 5 Passwords You Must Avoid
These are the combinations that security experts warn against again and again.
If any of these look familiar, you’re not alone—but it’s time to upgrade. These patterns are among the most commonly tested in brute-force and credential-stuffing attacks.
- "123456" – Still the most used (and guessed) password worldwide
- "password1" – Common and highly insecure
- "qwerty123" – Keyboard patterns are easy to crack
- "iloveyou" – Emotionally sweet, digitally dangerous
- "admin123" – Frequently used in company logins and quickly exploited
These might seem harmless, even nostalgic—but the data shows they’re magnets for attackers. Some were part of breaches with millions of user records exposed.
Before and After: My Login Security
This test didn’t just change my habits—it changed how I view digital risk.
Before, I reused variations of a few “memorable” passwords. I assumed that if I added a number or symbol, it was secure enough.
Now, I treat each password like a digital fingerprint—unique, private, and important. I use long, random phrases, stored securely, and updated regularly.
After: Unique passphrases + manager + rotation reminder every 3 months.
Seeing just how fast I got flagged changed how seriously I now take every single login.
How to Build Strong, Memorable Passwords
The best password isn’t hard to remember—it’s hard to guess.
You don’t need random strings of characters to stay safe. In fact, longer, less predictable phrases offer stronger protection and are easier to recall.
Here’s the approach I now use for every new login. It’s fast, simple, and surprisingly secure.
- Pick 3–4 unrelated words (e.g., planetGreenMuffinTiger)
- Mix in numbers or a symbol—but don’t follow a pattern
- Don’t include names, birthdays, or dictionary words
- Use a password manager to keep track of everything
- Change passwords for sensitive accounts every 3–6 months
This method helped me remember complex logins without sticky notes or repeated passwords. And it removed that stress of wondering, “Was this one of the accounts that got leaked?”
Final Thoughts and Safe Habits
This 7-day experiment started with curiosity—and ended with a full reset of how I protect my data.
Most people think password leaks won’t happen to them. I used to think the same. But after seeing how fast weak passwords attracted trouble, I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
One change made a noticeable difference: taking my logins seriously. Not obsessively, but intentionally. I spent 30 minutes fixing my worst habits—and I haven’t looked back.
- Avoid passwords like “123456”, “password1”, and “admin123”.
- Use long, random passphrases instead of short predictable words.
- Update important account passwords every few months.
- Install a password manager—don’t rely on memory alone.
- A stronger password isn’t harder—just smarter.
It’s easy to assume you’re safe until something goes wrong. Don’t wait for that moment. Start building digital habits now that future you will thank you for.
Every password is a gate. Make yours one that only you can open.
#passwordsecurity #passwordprotection #techhabits #digitalhygiene #cybersafety #everydaysecurity
Sources: National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Have I Been Pwned?, Google Security Blog, FBI Cybercrime Division Annual Report
