'Mustang' More Popular Than 'Superman,' 'Batman' According to Research by SplashData

• “Mustang” is the 16th most common password on the Internet according to a recent study by SplashData, besting both “superman” in 21st place and “batman” in 24th

• Mustang is the only car to appear in the top 25 most common Internet passwords

• Adding letters, numbers, acronyms and symbols to your favorite pony car-inspired code for sign-in will help strengthen your password
   

 

Ford Mustang is one of the most popular cars ever built, and now it has the distinct honor of being one of the most common passwords on the Internet, a recent study reveals.

According to SplashData – a company specializing in password management – the word “mustang” was the 16th most common password found on the Internet in 2014, the only car moniker that found its way into the top 25. Not only that, Mustang is a slayer of superheroes – more popular than “Batman” and “Superman” as people’s secret code for accessing their personal networks and accounts.

“We’re flattered people want to use ‘mustang’ as their password, but alone, it just isn’t strong enough to be secure,” said Keith Moss, Ford Director of Cyber Security. “We encourage people to use ‘mustang,’ but we recommend they strengthen their password by mixing upper and lower case letters, numbers, acronyms and symbols to make it unique.”

Here are a few suggestions for strengthening your “mustang” password:

• Add numbers to your password (favorite Mustang model year, year you bought your Mustang or year you sold the car)
• Incorporate Mustang option codes, paint codes, engine codes or digits from your VIN
• Create acronyms for modifications made to your Mustang (FRSC, for Ford Racing SuperCharger, for example)
• Include your favorite driving road or road trip destination

Keep in mind that using the same password on all websites is not recommended; a password manager can help keep multiple Mustang-related passwords organized and easy-to-access.

While you should always keep your Mustang-inspired password a secret, wear your appreciation for the iconic pony car proudly and loudly.