If it's one thing Hackers have learned about the human race it's that we're predictable. The strongest passwords are ones made up of random numbers, letters, and symbols, but no one wants to have to memorize such things, so we try to develop little tricks, jokes, or personal references to create words or phrases that are easy for us to remember. Easy to remember can often mean easy to guess and as clever and unique as we like to think we are when we're alone in front of a computer, the truth is we're no different than the millions of others inventing their own passwords around the world and it's these patterns that online criminals and cyber bullies pick up on. Here are ten of the most-common tricks people try to use when creating a password that often result in the most common and insecure passwords of all time.

10. "default" or "admin"

When manufacturer's ship or install a new product they often supply a dummy password just to get it up and running, the idea being that as the owner you will change it to your own personal password when you take control. Out of ignorance or laziness many forget to do this leaving their systems vulnerable. Once a common problem in the late 90's, many products today have more secure ways of transferring control, but it still happens. 

9. "secret"

You're supposed to keep your password secret, not actually use the word secret as a password. It's a popular mistake making it an easy one to guess.

8. "qwerty"

While the first six letters of a keyboard are easy to remember and type, it's also easy for others too.

7."trustno1"

This is the password Fox Mulder used in the TV series The X-files. Avoid using passwords that appear in movies or TV shows watched by millions. References to popular culture are always a bad idea as they are by their nature shared by millions of others. Anyone trying to guess your password is naturally going to gravitate to the books, games, movies, and music you're a fan of.  

6. "america"

It's best to avoid references to iconic symbols beloved by millions. The name of your country, leader, sports team, a national association, etc. are all things you share and have in common with most of society, making it a very predictable choice. 

5. "091101"

Significant dates are easy to rembember, but also to look up. Social networks often list birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers, making them easy to figure out and historic dates like 9/11 are so popular that they are predictable. 

4. "tinkerbell"

Names, especially those of pets or loved ones are a bad idea. Paris Hilton notoriously used the name of her pet dog Tinkerbell, who appeared with her in magazines and on TV, as her password and it was hacked as a result. This also includes using your own name or the name of the company you work for. 

3. "iloveyou"

Hands down the most popular password phrase of all-time. For many people typing in a password is like sharing a private secret, and love is the secret we often keep the most. I'm here to tell you, you're not alone. Other popular phrases include "letmein" and "iamgod".

2. "111111"

Any common string of numbers or letters will be the first tried by programs trying to break a code or password. "123456", "aaaaaa", and "000000" are other fine examples of this.

1. "password"

Oh you may think you're being clever, but so many others have beaten you to it. This is one of the most common passwords used. 

Tips For Creating Strong Passwords

- Make your password a minimum of eight characters long

- Use a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols

- If you need to use words or phrases, choose ones that do not hold a special meaning to you. 

- Try to spell words using numbers of symbols. For example, instead of "hello" use "h3ll0".

- If you need to have a written record somewhere in case you forget, don't write down the actual password. Write down a hint for yourself instead.