Are you still using your birthday or pet’s name as your password? It’s 2025, and hackers are now using advanced AI tools to break into online accounts. India’s digital growth is impressive, but our cybersecurity habits are not keeping up.
This blog will explain the growing password crisis in India, why it is a serious issue, and how you can protect yourself online with better password habits and new technology.
A National Problem That Needs Attention
India now has more than 850 million internet users. Services like UPI, DigiLocker, Aadhar, and online banking have made our lives easier, but they also need strong protection. Unfortunately, many users still use weak or repeated passwords.
Examples like “India@123”, “Password123”, or even someone’s phone number are still common. These passwords are simple to guess, and if one account is hacked, all others with the same password can be accessed easily.
Most Common Passwords Are Still Weak
A 2025 global study found that 94% of passwords in data leaks were either reused or very weak. Common passwords include “123456”, “qwerty”, and “admin”. These may be easy to remember, but they are also the easiest to crack.
In India, where digital platforms are connected to personal ID, bank accounts, and health records, using a weak password can lead to serious problems. One leaked password can give hackers access to all your digital services.
The Danger of Credential Stuffing
Credential stuffing is when hackers use stolen usernames and passwords from one site to try and access other accounts. They use software that can test thousands of combinations quickly.
If you use the same password for your email, shopping, and bank accounts, a hacker only needs to break into one to get access to all. It’s like having one key for your home, office, car, and locker. If you lose it, everything is at risk.
Everyone Is at Risk – Even Famous People
Weak passwords are a global problem. Even some well-known people have made mistakes. One U.S. politician used “123456” across many accounts. In India, government officers and professionals sometimes let assistants handle their digital accounts without proper security.
With more government services moving online, these habits are dangerous. They put important data at risk and create opportunities for cybercrime.
Passkeys: A Better and Safer Option
Passwords are becoming outdated. Big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are now supporting passkeys. A passkey lets you log in using your fingerprint, face scan, or a trusted device like your phone.
This method is safer because there is no password to steal. Indian apps and websites are also beginning to offer this feature. It is faster, more secure, and easier to use.
What You Can Do Today
You do not need to wait for others to protect your digital life. Here are five simple steps you can take:
- Use a Password Manager – Tools like Bitwarden or 1Password help create and store strong passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Avoid Using the Same Password Everywhere – Each account should have a different password.
- Try Passkey Features – If a service offers passkey login, use it.
- Educate Your Family and Friends – Help others understand the importance of strong passwords.
Final Thoughts
India’s digital future is full of promise. But to protect that future, we need to stop using simple, weak, or repeated passwords. Start using tools that make your online life safer.
Change your passwords today, try using passkeys, and help others do the same. Password safety is not just a personal issue – it affects our entire digital society.
