Get the Dunce's Cap: Experts Warn of Pathetically Weak Passwords in Education Sector
Universities, schools, and training centers are being left vulnerable by an endemic of weak passwords in the education industry, a new research from NordVPN reveals. The company's analysis has exposed a disturbing trend among educational institutions, where easy-to-remember but easily guessable passwords are being used, leaving classrooms at risk.
The Top 20 Most Reused Passwords in Education Sector
NordVPN's study has identified the top 20 most reused passwords in the education sector, with '123456' taking the top spot, followed closely by '123456789' and '21345678'. The use of these weak passwords is alarming, especially when it comes to institutions handling vast amounts of personal information.
Ironically, within the top five most used passwords are also 'password' and 'secret', which are considered to be among the least secure passwords possible. These passwords could leave your organization vulnerable, regardless of the sector you operate in.
The Consequences of Weak Passwords
Educational institutions handle sensitive information, including student records and internal communications. However, many are still relying on passwords that would fail even the most basic cybersecurity test. The use of default or recycled credentials leaves the entire system vulnerable to attacks," says Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of business product at NordPass.
High-profile attacks on schools and universities have been reported in recent years, including the infamous Power Schools hack, which exposed the information of students and teachers, including names, dates of birth, and contact details. With almost 62 million students thought to be affected, it's clear that weak passwords can have devastating consequences.
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft Attacks
Criminals often target schools and universities in order to steal the personal information of children. With this data, hackers can take out loans or credit cards using personal information in identity theft attacks and fraudulent applications. Since children don't have a credit history, it's essential to protect their personal data.
Creating a Safe Password
If you need help on choosing a safe password, there are a few easy things you can do to immediately make yours more secure. First, make sure your passwords are over 12 characters long and include a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, as well as some special characters.
A great example of a safe password would be a phrase from your favorite TV show, with some letters switched out for numbers, like 'Streets;Ahead6S&AM!'. Alternatively, you can check out some of the best password generators to help with the task. By following these simple steps, you can significantly improve the security of your passwords.
If you're unsure about how to create a safe password or need further guidance, there are many online resources available to help. Sign up for our TechRadar Pro newsletter to get access to expert advice and guidance on keeping your business secure.