Tag Archives: pop culture

Cybernews Cracks the Password Puzzle: What 19 Billion Passwords Reveal About Us

We’ve all been there — that moment when the password box blinks impatiently, waiting for your brain to produce something secure and memorable. But what if I told you that billions of us are still relying on “123456” or “password” to guard our digital front doors?

Researchers at Cybernews have just released a fascinating and somewhat alarming analysis of 19,030,305,929 leaked passwords, and the findings tell a revealing story about human behaviour, pop culture obsessions, and our often lacklustre approach to security.


Only 6% of Passwords Are Unique – Let That Sink In

Out of 19 billion passwords, only 1.1 billion were unique. That means 94% of people are using the same passwords as someone else — and in the world of hacking, that’s music to a cybercriminal’s ears.

The most common passwords? You’ve guessed them:

  • “password” – used 56 million times

  • “admin” – 53 million times

  • “123456” – 338 million times

  • “1234” – found in nearly 4% of all passwords (that’s 727 million accounts!)

It’s 2025 and we’re still living in a world where “qwerty” and “abc123” are considered acceptable safeguards.


What We Love Shows Up in Our Passwords

The team at Cybernews created themed wordlists to understand what people use in their passwords. The results are both amusing and a little worrying.

Pop Culture Reigns Supreme

Characters like:

  • Mario (9.6M)

  • Batman (3.9M)

  • Joker (3.1M)

  • Thor (6.2M)

  • Elsa (2.9M)

Yes, even a magical ice queen made it onto the hacker’s dictionary.

Our Favourite Animals?

  • Lion (9.8M)

  • Fox (7.8M)

These majestic creatures might be noble, but they’re not secure.

Love, Tea, and Swear Words

  • Love” appears in 87 million passwords.

  • Tea – our national treasure – is in 36 million!

  • And surprisingly (or not), words like “ass” (165M), “fuck” (16M), and “shit” (6.5M) are extremely common.

Seems like when people get frustrated with password rules, they get… expressive.


The Human Factor: Names, Cities, and Seasons

We seem to really love personal and familiar things:

  • Ana is the most-used name (178.8M times).

  • Rome is the top city (13M).

  • Summer (3.8M) leads the seasons, while May (28M) and April (5.2M) dominate the months.

  • Monday is weirdly the most popular weekday (800,000).

And professions like boss, cook, and hunter show up in millions of passwords. Is that confidence or wishful thinking?


Big Brands in Passwords: Not a Great Idea

Believe it or not, some people think referencing tech giants will protect them:

  • Google – 25.9M passwords

  • Facebook – 18.7M

  • Kia – 12.7M (your guess is as good as mine)


Why This Matters (and What You Should Do About It)

With only 6% of passwords being unique, dictionary attacks and credential stuffing become a walk in the park for bad actors. If your password is on one of these lists, your account could be next.

Top Tips for Better Passwords:

  1. Use a Password Manager – Tools like Bitwarden, 1Password or KeePass make strong passwords easy.

  2. Avoid Dictionary Words – Even “FrostyTheSnowman1983” isn’t safe if enough people use it.

  3. Go Long and Complex – At least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols.

  4. Don’t Reuse Passwords – Ever.

  5. Turn On 2FA – Always enable two-factor authentication where possible.


The Bottom Line

Your password is often the only thing standing between your private data and a very bad day. The Cybernews report doesn’t just expose poor habits — it’s a stark reminder that humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity.

So, before you set your next password to “GadgetMan2025”, take a moment. You’re worth a better lock on your digital door.


Matt Porter – The Gadget Man

Have you checked your passwords recently? Would you like me to review any password manager tools for you next?

EXG Pro Celebrates Lilo & Stitch’s Return to the Big Screen with a Chaos-Filled Collection of Tech Accessories

It’s official – Disney’s most lovable alien is back! With Lilo & Stitch returning to cinemas on May 23rd, fans old and new are buzzing with excitement. And to mark the occasion, the clever folks at EXG Pro are unleashing a brand-new wave of officially licensed Lilo & Stitch tech accessories that bring all of Stitch’s mischief, madness, and heart right to your desk.

EXG Pro Celebrates Lilo & Stitch’s Return to the Big Screen with a Chaos-Filled Collection of Tech Accessories
EXG Pro Celebrates Lilo & Stitch’s Return to the Big Screen with a Chaos-Filled Collection of Tech Accessories

From earbuds hugged by Stitch’s tiny blue paws to phone holders that could double as miniature sculptures, this range is as functional as it is collectible. Whether you’re working from home or gaming into the night, Stitch is here to make sure your setup looks cool and stays tidy.


Meet the Line-Up: Functional Meets FUNctional

Stitch Buds Pro – £49.99

Stitch Buds Pro – £49.99
Stitch Buds Pro – £49.99

Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds in a custom Stitch case? Yes, please. The Stitch Buds Pro don’t just look adorable – they sound great too. Cradled in Stitch’s arms, this is equal parts pop culture tribute and high-performance audio kit. Available now at EXGPro.com.


Stitch Cable Guys: The Ultimate Desk Companions – £29.99 Each

Hula Stitch

Dressed in a grass skirt and ready to party, Hula Stitch is the perfect tropical tech stand. Whether you need to hold your phone, gaming controller or remote, he’s got your back with island vibes to spare.

Hula Stitch
Hula Stitch

Smiley Stitch

All grins and good energy, this joyful version of Stitch is a desk cheerleader that just so happens to be brilliant at holding your devices.

Smiley Stitch
Smiley Stitch

Classic Stitch

This is Experiment 626 in his most iconic form – attitude, ears and all. He’s got the stability of a serious tech stand with the flair of a fan-favourite character.

Classic Stitch
Classic Stitch

Stitch Holdems: Pocket-Sized Personality – £19.99 Each

Loved Up Stitch

Puckered up and packed with love, Loved Up Stitch is a sweet spot for your earbuds or phone. A romantic little helper for anyone who’s soft on Stitch.

Loved Up Stitch
Loved Up Stitch

Badness Level Stitch

Wearing chaos like a badge of honour, Badness Level Stitch keeps things fun and functional. The ultimate choice for fans who love their Stitch with a little extra bite.

Badness Level Stitch
Badness Level Stitch

Sunset Stitch

Golden hour in a gadget stand. Sunset Stitch glows with tropical vibes and calm energy – ideal for mellowing out your workspace.

Sunset Stitch
Sunset Stitch

Underpants Hero Stitch

Because why wouldn’t Stitch wear underpants over his fur? This hero-themed holder adds a dollop of humour and a whole lot of charm to your setup.

Underpants Hero Stitch
Underpants Hero Stitch

Gadget Man’s Take

This collection is pure joy in accessory form. It’s the kind of licensed merch that gets it right – quirky, useful, and collectible. Whether you’re a Disney devotee, a pop culture junkie, or just someone who wants their earbuds stored by an alien in a grass skirt, EXG Pro’s Lilo & Stitch range is a total win.

As the film makes its big-screen return, there’s never been a better time to invite Stitch into your home – not on the sofa, but on your desk, cradling your tech with chaos and love.


Available now at ExgPro.com – grab yours before Stitch eats them.

How I Created and Published Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney in Less Than 24 Hours

Sometimes, you have an idea so out there, you just have to run with it. That’s exactly what happened with my latest experiment—writing, editing, and publishing a book in under 24 hours. Yes, you read that right: Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney by Matt Porter went from a concept swirling in my head to a fully published book faster than you can say “Bob’s your uncle.” Now, before you start expecting War and Peace or something that’ll win a Pulitzer, let me set the record straight: this book is meant to be a laugh. So, get that tongue planted firmly in your cheek and read on!


A Silly Idea Turned Into Reality

I’ve always loved Cockney rhyming slang. There’s something so playful and creative about it, and being a tech nerd, I thought, “Why not merge the two?” With that spark of inspiration and a challenge I set for myself, the idea was born: a humorous book that reimagines the world of tech with Cockney flair. Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney would be a light, fun read for anyone who’s ever wondered what you’d call a smartphone (a “dog”) or a smart speaker (a “chirper”) in the East End’s colourful lingo.

But then I upped the stakes: I decided to see if I could write, edit, and publish the whole thing in less than 24 hours. Why? Because life’s too short not to try ridiculous things.

How I Created and Published Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney in Less Than 24 Hours
You can buy and read Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney right now and very soon in physical paperback at https://amzn.to/40QzUnI

Don’t Expect High Art—This Is Pure, Unfiltered Fun

Let’s be clear: you’re not about to read a literary masterpiece. This isn’t War and Peace or The Great Gatsby. It’s more like a mate telling you stories down the pub, but instead of talking about football, I’m rambling about gadgets and tech in Cockney slang. This book was written fast, with lots of tea, laughter, and a “who-cares-if-it’s-not-perfect” attitude. If you’re looking for a deep exploration of tech or a polished manual, you might be barking up the wrong tree.

But if you’re after a book that doesn’t take itself seriously, one that pokes fun at tech jargon while teaching you some cheeky Cockney phrases, this might be your cup of rosie-lee.

The Writing Process: Fuelled by Tea and Banter

Once the idea hit me, I got to work with one goal: get it done before the clock ran out. I wrote chapter after chapter, each filled with witty slang, light-hearted anecdotes, and ridiculous comparisons between tech gadgets and everyday London life. Need to know why Wi-Fi is like a “Skyhook” or why a computer’s operating system is the “Guv’nor”? I’ve got you covered.

To keep it fun and breezy, I didn’t worry too much about polishing every sentence. It was all about the charm, the humour, and the Cockney twist. The result? A book that feels like a good ol’ natter with a mate—unpolished, maybe a bit rough around the edges, but full of character.

Editing and Formatting: It’s Good Enough

I gave the manuscript a quick once-over (yes, quick), fixing the obvious typos and ensuring the Cockney slang made sense. But did I spend hours agonising over sentence structure or tweaking every paragraph? Absolutely not. This was about speed and spirit, not perfection. Think of it like street food: messy, but oh-so-satisfying.

I also threw in a handy Cockney slang glossary at the end, so you can brush up on your rhyming slang while giggling at the tech comparisons.

The Cover: Simple, Bold, and Straight to the Point

When you’ve only got 24 hours, you don’t spend ages designing a cover that rivals The Da Vinci Code. I kept it simple and bold, with the title front and centre: Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney by Matt Porter. The cover hints at the humour inside without giving too much away—exactly how I like it.

Publishing: The Final Countdown

With just minutes to spare, I uploaded the book to the publishing platform, hit “Publish,” and breathed a sigh of relief. I did it! A fully published book in less than a day.

Why I Did It

Let’s face it, we all overthink things sometimes. This project was a reminder to embrace spontaneity, take risks, and have fun with creativity. You don’t always need months of preparation or endless rewrites to make something worth sharing. Sometimes, done is better than perfect.

Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney isn’t meant to change your life, but it just might make you chuckle, and that’s good enough for me.

What to Expect When You Read It

  • Lots of laughs: If you’ve ever struggled to explain tech to your nan or been baffled by a new gadget, you’ll feel right at home.
  • Cockney charm: From “whirligigs” to “dog and bones,” the slang is in full force.
  • Zero seriousness: This book is pure entertainment, so don’t come looking for an academic breakdown of microchips.

Final Thoughts: Take It with a Pinch of Salt (and a cup of ‘rosie’)

If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys a bit of banter, a bit of tech, and a whole lot of Cockney rhyming slang, this book is for you. But remember: it’s all in good fun. Don’t take it too seriously—just sit back, grab a cuppa, and enjoy the ride.

So, there you have it. My little 24-hour experiment, wrapped up and ready for you to enjoy. Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney is out now on Kindle and will be available very soon in paperback (As soon as I have approved the… Proof), and I hope it brings you as many laughs reading it as I had writing it.

Cheers,
Matt Porter
February 2025


📚 Want a bit of tech banter with a Cockney twist? Grab your copy of Gizmos and Gadgets in Cockney on Kindle now, and don’t forget to keep that tongue firmly in cheek.