The security of our online world relies a lot on how we, as users, handle our passwords and security measures. A study conducted by Bitkom dug into the habits of internet users in Germany when it comes to password management, shedding light on some interesting trends.
Surprisingly, fewer people seem to be prioritizing complex passwords compared to the previous year. Despite the advice floating around about using strong, intricate combinations, there’s been a dip in the number of folks going this route. Even though there’s a slight increase in the use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), a good chunk of people still seems hesitant to jump on that bandwagon. And here’s an eyebrow-raiser: jotting down passwords on paper is still a pretty common practice.
But it’s not all gloomy news! The study did show a rise in the use of password managers, which is definitely a step in the right direction.
According to the study, about three-quarters of the users surveyed still try to mix things up with their passwords—using a blend of letters, numbers, and special characters. However, this percentage has dipped from what it was last year. Plus, nearly one-fifth of the lot admits to using the same password across multiple online services, which is a bit of a risky move.
Simran Mann, an IT security whiz from Bitkom, emphasized the importance of strong passwords, saying, “Passwords are like keys to our digital homes. If they’re too simple, they’re an open invitation to cybercriminals.” She strongly recommended using password managers and Two-Factor Authentication for better security.
The study also found that more people are turning to password generators or managers to create stronger passwords—a quarter of the surveyed users, compared to one-fifth last year. Yet, almost two-fifths of users still resort to the old-school method of jotting down passwords on paper.
While the adoption of Two-Factor Authentication has seen a bump, it’s still a slow climb. Only about 20 percent of users implement it whenever they can, while 17 percent use it for specific accounts.
Interestingly, there’s been a drop in the number of users changing their passwords regularly—from 31 to 23 percent. And managing multiple passwords seems to be a headache for many, with 30 percent frequently having to reset their passwords because they’ve forgotten the old ones.
Overall, the study paints a mixed picture. While some are taking steps towards stronger security with complex passwords and password managers, old habits die hard, with passwords still being scribbled on paper and the uptake of Two-Factor Authentication being sluggish.
