5 Tips to Create the Strongest Password Possible and Why It Matters

Passwords are the gatekeepers of our online lives. They’re the first line of defense that keeps our sensitive data safe from prying eyes. Unfortunately, many people use weak, easily guessable passwords, making them vulnerable to identity theft and other online crimes. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! I’ll show you five techniques for creating the strongest password possible, and explain why they matter.

Length Matters: Aim for a Minimum of 12 Characters or More

When creating a password, you should aim for a minimum of 12 characters or more. Longer passwords are more difficult to crack, as they require more time and computing power to brute force. A brute force attack is when a hacker uses automated tools to try every possible combination of characters until they find the correct password.

It’s also important to use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols in your password. This makes it more difficult for hackers to guess your password using dictionary attacks, which are when a hacker uses a list of common words to try and guess your password.

A good way to create a strong password is to use a phrase or sentence that you can easily remember, but that others wouldn’t guess. For example, “I<3PizzaOnFridays!” is a great password because it’s 20 characters long, uses a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is easy to remember.

Passphrases: Create a Mini-Story to Keep Your Password Secure

A passphrase is a longer, more complex password made up of a series of words. Passphrases can be easier to remember than a string of random characters, making them a great option for creating strong passwords. To create a strong passphrase, choose a series of words that don’t have any connection to each other, but that you can easily remember.

For example, “MyDogIsARealHero!” is a strong passphrase because it’s long, uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, and includes symbols. It’s also easy to remember because it tells a mini-story.

Another benefit of using a passphrase is that it’s often easier to type on a mobile device, where autocorrect can interfere with typing in a complex password.

Avoid Using the Same Password for Multiple Accounts

Using the same password for multiple accounts is a dangerous practice, as it means that if one account is hacked, all your accounts are compromised. One solution to this problem is to use a password manager. Password managers like LastPass or 1Password generate and store unique passwords for each of your accounts, so you don’t have to remember them all.

Another option is to create a unique password for each account by adding a suffix or prefix to a base password. For example, you could use “P@ssword1” as your base password, and then add a different suffix for each account, such as “P@ssword1-Bank”, “P@ssword1-Email”, and so on.

Two-Factor Authentication: An Extra Layer of Security

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires you to provide a second form of authentication in addition to your password. This can be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint, or facial recognition. 2FA makes it much more difficult for someone to access your account even if they have your password.

Many websites offer 2FA options, so make sure to enable it wherever possible. Some services, such as Google and Facebook, also allow you to use a physical security key for authentication.

Avoid Common Substitutions

Many people use common substitutions like using a “0” instead of an “O” or a “3” instead of an “E”. These substitutions may seem clever, but they’re also easy for hackers to guess using automated tools. To make your password more secure, use more complex substitutions, such as replacing an “A” with a “@” symbol, or an “S” with a “$” sign. It’s all about being creative and unpredictable.

Another way to make your password more secure is to use uncommon words or phrases. Avoid using words that are commonly found in password dictionaries or online. You can also use foreign words or phrases, or create your own unique word by combining two unrelated words together.

Additional Tips

In addition to the five techniques I’ve covered, there are a few additional tips you should keep in mind to ensure that your passwords are as secure as possible:

1. Change your passwords regularly: Even with a strong password, there’s still a chance of a security breach. Changing your password every few months can help minimize the damage.
2. Avoid sharing your passwords: Don’t share your passwords with anyone, even if it’s someone you trust. If you must share your password, make sure to change it once the person no longer needs access.
3. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure and can be easily intercepted by hackers. Avoid logging in to important accounts like online banking, email, and social media accounts when using public Wi-Fi.
4. Enable auto-lock on your devices: Auto-lock ensures that your device automatically locks after a set period of time, making it harder for someone to access it if you leave it unattended.

Long Story Short?

Creating a strong password is essential to keeping your online accounts secure. By using a combination of the five techniques I’ve covered – length, passphrases, avoiding common substitutions, not reusing passwords, and using two-factor authentication – you can make sure that your passwords are as strong as possible.

Remember to also follow the additional tips I’ve provided, like changing your passwords regularly and avoiding sharing them. With these best practices in mind, you can enjoy a safer and more secure online experience.