Password habits are changing, and the data shows how far we’ve come

Help Net Security

December 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM

Overview

In a recent video, Andréanne Bergeron from Flare discusses the evolution of password security over the past two decades, highlighting how user behavior and security policies have changed. The analysis is based on leaked passwords from 2007 to 2025, showing that as security standards have improved, the strength of passwords has generally increased. However, Bergeron notes that a small percentage of users still opt for weak passwords despite the risks. This ongoing trend reflects the need for continued education on password security and the importance of adopting stronger credentials to protect against data breaches. Understanding these changing habits can help inform better security practices for both individuals and organizations.

Key Takeaways

Action Required: Encourage users to adopt stronger passwords and utilize password managers for better security.
Timeline: Newly disclosed

Original Article Summary

In this Help Net Security video, Andréanne Bergeron, Security Researcher at Flare, explains how changes in user habits, policy shifts, and new tools have shaped password security over nearly twenty years. She walks through research based on leaked passwords from 2007 to 2025 and shows how strength levels rose as standards evolved and breach events pushed users to reset weak credentials. Bergeron points out that a small group still relies on poor choices like simple … More → The post Password habits are changing, and the data shows how far we’ve come appeared first on Help Net Security.

Impact

Not specified

Exploitation Status

No active exploitation has been reported at this time. However, organizations should still apply patches promptly as proof-of-concept code may exist.

Timeline

Newly disclosed

Remediation

Encourage users to adopt stronger passwords and utilize password managers for better security.

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

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