INTERNATIONAL DAYGENERAL

World Password Day

On World Password Day, we stretch our view past the state line and remember how connected all of this really is.

MAY7

Thursday, May 7First Thursday in May

Roots: Declared in 2013 by Intel Security, from an idea proposed by Mark Burnett in his 2005 book.
Vibe: A call to action for better digital habits.
Also on May 7: World Athletics Day · Tourism Day · Barrier Awareness Day
Hashtag: #WorldPasswordDay

Add to my calendar Send a card Email a friend

Apple or Outlook calendar

Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate World Password Day.

Read or watch something made outside the U.S. today.
Cook a dish from a country you've been curious about.
Donate to an international organization doing good work.
Learn one word in a language you don't speak.
Send a message to a friend who lives elsewhere.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.
Kids
Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.
Couples
Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.
Office
Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.
School
Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.
Community
Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.
Just me
Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.

Plan ahead

World Password Day is observed on the first Thursday in May. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Thu, May 7this year

2027Thu, May 6

2028Thu, May 4

2029Thu, May 3

2030Thu, May 2

2031Thu, May 1

2032Thu, May 6

2033Thu, May 5

2034Thu, May 4

2035Thu, May 3

2036Thu, May 1

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Weak or stolen passwords are involved in most data breaches.

Many Americans reuse the same or similar passwords across accounts.

The story

World Password Day was initiated in 2013 by Intel Security to raise awareness about the importance of password security. The observance takes place on the first Thursday of May each year, reminding individuals and organizations alike to prioritize their online safety. As our reliance on digital platforms grows, so does the risk of cyber threats, making this day more relevant than ever.

Read the full story

In the United States, a staggering 80% of data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords. According to recent studies, only 39% of Americans report using unique passwords across their various accounts. This alarming statistic highlights the need for greater education on how to create strong passwords and the importance of password management tools, which can simplify this process.

As we celebrate World Password Day, various organizations and cybersecurity experts provide resources for individuals to enhance their online security. Key strategies include creating complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols, as well as enabling two-factor authentication. These practices not only protect personal information but can also safeguard businesses from costly breaches.

Globally, World Password Day serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Countries around the world are encouraged to participate in discussions and initiatives that promote secure online behaviors. By fostering a culture of password awareness, we can collectively work towards a safer digital landscape.

Did you know?

First Observance

World Password Day was first celebrated on May 2, 2013.

Password Strength

A strong password typically contains at least 12 characters.

Common Mistakes

Using 'password' or '123456' is among the most common password choices.

Password Lifespan

Experts recommend changing passwords every 3-6 months.

Phishing Risks

Phishing attacks often exploit weak passwords to gain access.

Global Participation

Countries around the world celebrate World Password Day to promote digital security.

Future of Passwords

Biometric authentication is becoming a popular alternative to traditional passwords.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesWorld Password Day is widely recognized in the U.S. as a call to action for better online security.
CACanadaCanadians participate in discussions on how to improve password practices.
GBUnited KingdomThe UK emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity education during this observance.
AUAustraliaAustralia’s cybersecurity agencies promote awareness campaigns around this day.
DEGermanyGermany encourages businesses to adopt stronger password protocols.
EUEuropean UnionThe EU supports initiatives aimed at enhancing digital security across member states.