World Password Day is an annual observance dedicated to promoting better password security practices and raising awareness about the importance of strong cybersecurity measures in our digital lives.
Quick Facts
When is it: First Thursday of May annually
Tagged as: Digital Security Awareness Day
What’s the hashtag: #WorldPasswordDay
When was it founded: 2013
Who founded it: Intel Corporation
History of World Password Day
The concept originated from security researcher Mark Burnett’s suggestion in 2005 that everyone should have personal “password days” for changing their passwords. Intel later transformed this idea into a global awareness campaign, establishing the first Thursday of May as World Password Day.
Timeline
- 1961: MIT creates the first computer password system
- 1976: Public-key cryptography is invented
- 1986: Two-factor authentication emerges
- 2005: Mark Burnett proposes personal password days
- 2013: First official World Password Day celebration
Dates by Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 2 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 7 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
People worldwide participate by updating their passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and sharing password security tips. Organizations often host educational events and security awareness campaigns on this day.
Fun Facts About Passwords
- A 12-character password can take over 200 years to crack
- 59% of people use the same password everywhere
- The most common password globally is still “123456”
- Ancient Rome used “watchwords” for military security
- Password managers can save users over 50 hours per year
Quiz
- When was the first computer password created?
- What percentage of breaches involve weak passwords?
- How long does it take to crack an 8-character password?
-(Answers: 1961; Over 80%; About 2-5 minutes)
FAQs
Q: Should I change all my passwords on World Password Day?
A: Yes, it’s a good opportunity to review and update passwords.
Q: What makes a strong password?
A: A combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters, at least 12 characters long.
Related
- Cybersecurity Awareness Month
- Data Privacy Day
- Safer Internet Day
- Digital Security Week