For years, researchers and hackers have been analyzing password patterns to understand user behavior. Here is a summary of common password patterns by age group: **18-24 years old:** * More likely to use simple, repetitive, or variant passwords (for example, "qwerty," "letmein," or modifications of previous passwords) * More likely to use the same password on multiple sites* More likely to be influenced by social media and pop culture (for example, movie references, sports team, or celebrity names) * Use fewer special characters and numbers, and rely more on letter and number sequences **25-34 years old: * More often use more complex and longer passwords (8-12 characters) * More likely to use acronyms or word combinations (for example, "ILoveToTravel") * More often use numbers and special characters, but may still be vulnerable to dictionary attacks* Begin to use more secure password management practices (for example, use a password manager) **35-44 years old:** * More often use stronger and more unique passwords (12-16 characters) * More often combine capital letters, numbers, and special characters* More likely to use phrases or strings of unrelated words* Begin to use more secure password management practices (for example, use two-step verification) **Ages 45-54:** * More likely to use passwords related to their personal lives (e.g., children’s names, important dates, or hobbies) * More likely to use shorter, easier-to-remember passwords (6-8 characters) * Likely to rely on context-specific passwords (e.g., work, email, or social media) * May be less familiar with best password management practices **Ages 55 and older:** * More likely to use simple passwords related to personal experiences or relationships (e.g., spouse’s name, year, or animal’s name) * May rely on common patterns or sequences (e.g., 123456 or abc123) * May be more reluctant to change passwords or use password management tools * May need more education on good password habits and online security Keep in mind that these are general trends and individual behaviors can vary greatly. The most important thing is to create strong, unique passwords and follow best password management practices, regardless of age. Additionally, it’s important to remember to: * Avoid using common patterns or sequences * Don’t share passwords with others * Change passwords regularly * Use a password manager to generate and store unique and complex passwords * Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security By following these best practices, you can significantly reduce password-related security risks.