Choosing a username for a new account can often feel overwhelming. Should you go for something humorous, highly memorable, or simply your real name? The data shows that many users default to their actual name. But how does this choice impact your online security? It turns out, your username matters more than you might think.

How to Choose a Good Username

Finding a unique and available username often feels like a challenge. Your username is your digital first impression, so it’s natural to want something unique, easy to recall, and representative of your identity.

• Be Creative: The best usernames combine interests to create unique combinations (e.g., “GalacticBaker”).
• Keep it Simple: Ensure the name is easy to spell and pronounce to avoid confusion.
• Tailor to the Platform: The handle you use for gaming might not be suitable for a professional networking site.

The Top 10 Most Popular Usernames

A report compiled in partnership with a white-hat hacker revealed the most commonly used usernames globally. While many choose their real name, the number one spot was claimed by a non-name entry. Interestingly, common defaults like “admin” or “user” did not make the list.

Why Usernames Matter for Security

While a robust password is the highest priority, a weak username can compromise your security by effectively giving away half of your credentials. Usernames that include personal information are particularly risky as they help cybercriminals build a detailed profile for social engineering attacks.

For example, a username like “Lisa1990” or “SeattleJeremy” provides a hacker with enough personal data to initiate targeted attacks or craft highly believable phishing attempts.

How to Create a Secure Username

Follow these guidelines to select the most secure usernames for your accounts:

• Avoid Reuse: Do not use the same username across different accounts. Ideally, use a random username for every service.
• Don’t Use Your Real Name: Avoid using your legal name or common nicknames.
• Separate from Email: Your username should not be identical to your email address.
• Exclude Personal Data: Never use information like your birth date, city of origin, or any sensitive ID numbers.
• Avoid Password Hints: Do not use a username that is the same as your password or provides a clue about it.

Creating secure usernames is only half of the solution; the other half is maintaining a strong, unique password for every account. Tools like NordPass make managing strong passwords simple by offering an encrypted vault, autofill capabilities, and features like the Data Breach Scanner for next-level protection.