NordVPN recently released its annual list of commonly used passwords, and (surprise, surprise!) not much has changed. What’s truly baffling is how many folks still rely on this digital equivalent of leaving their front door wide open. The most common password is “123456” but fear not, “password” is still in there at number four.

If you’re reading MacSparky, you probably already use a password manager and strong, unique passwords. But if you know someone who doesn’t, please share this with them. Their accounts are far more vulnerable than they realize.

And there’s no excuse anymore. Apple users don’t even need a third-party solution: The built-in Passwords app starting with macOS 15 (Sequoia) and iOS 18 and newer generates, stores, and auto-fills strong passwords for free. It’s right there in your Applications folder (App Library on iOS), waiting to help.

Remember: If your password is easy for you to remember, it’s probably easy for others to guess.