According to recent research, the most common passwords used by Irish people are usually inspired by sports clubs, TV shows, and celebrities, making them a prime target for cybercriminals.
Creative passwords such as 'glenroe', 'roykeane', and 'liverpoolfc', are easily guessed and can be a prime target for internet hackers. Passwords such as "123456", "qwerty" and "password", have also been deemed to be the most commonly hacked.
This research was conducted in aid of Cyber Security Month, which has encouraged Irish internet users to user safer passwords, making less them susceptible to online hacking. This initiative raises awareness about internet password safety, and cybersecurity.
Speaking on this, Dr Hazel Murray of Cyber Skills said this, "What many consider a 'strong' password, referencing cultural touchpoints, is in fact easily deciphered by cybercriminals".
"There's a common misconception that if a password contains personal information or interests that it will be strong", she added. "Good passwords are multiple words strung together and avoid easily recognisable phrases".
These warnings were echoed by Dr Richard Browne, Director of the National Security Centre, who urged Irish internet users to use safer passwords.
"The longer the password, the more difficult it is to break", Dr Browne said. "If you go to ten characters or more it gets very very difficult to break it".
Thanks to various workshops, events, and online resources, the campaign aims to empower individuals and businesses to protect themselves against cyber threats, and take control of their digital lives.
