How Companies Gather Data to Determine Common Passwords

How Companies Gather Data to Determine Common Passwords

Companies employ various methods to gather data and determine common passwords. One common way is through data breaches. When a company's database is breached, hackers can access user passwords, which are often stored in encrypted or hashed formats. Hackers then analyze this data to identify patterns and common passwords used by a large number of users.

Another method is through the use of password cracking tools. These tools are designed to systematically generate and test different password combinations until the correct one is found. By analyzing the passwords that are cracked most frequently, companies can determine common password patterns.

Companies may also conduct surveys or studies to gather data on common passwords. By asking users to voluntarily provide information about their password habits, companies can compile a list of commonly used passwords.

Furthermore, companies may analyze publicly available data, such as password dumps from previous data breaches, to identify common passwords. By studying this data, companies can gain insights into trends and patterns in password usage.