Security basics

Common Password Mistakes: Avoiding Weak Password Examples

Many users unknowingly create weak passwords that compromise their security. This guide highlights common mistakes and provides examples to help you strengthen your password practices.

1 min readUpdated: 02/16/2026Author: GeneratePasswordTo Editorial Team

Top 5 Common Password Mistakes

1. Using simple passwords like '123456' or 'password' increases vulnerability to brute-force attacks.

2. Reusing passwords across accounts means a single breach can expose all your data.

3. Using personal information (e.g., birthdays, names) makes passwords predictable.

4. Ignoring password managers limits the ability to generate unique, complex passwords.

5. Writing passwords down in insecure places (e.g., sticky notes) creates physical risks.

Avoid simple passwords like '123456'.
Never reuse passwords across accounts.
Don’t use personal details in passwords.
Use a password manager for secure storage.
Avoid writing passwords on paper.