As our lives are increasingly intertwined with the Internet, the importance of strong passwords cannot be overstated.
Weak passwords are very easy for hackers to crack. A strong password will protect against unauthorized access, preserve your digital identity, prevent credential stuffing attacks, and mitigate the impact of data breaches.
Creating strong passwords
A short collection of letters, numbers, and characters stand between your online accounts and malicious hackers. While two-factor authentication and other security features add another layer of protection, the password is your first line of defense. Here are some critical guidelines when creating a robust and secure password.
Length and Complexity
Use passwords that are at least 15 characters long, incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate, and don’t use common words or sequential characters.
Regular Updates
Change your passwords periodically, ideally every three to six months, to maintain security. If you suspect any account may have been compromised, change the password immediately.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
Unique for Each Account
It’s crucial to use a unique password for each online account. Reusing passwords across platforms increases the risk of widespread compromise if one account is breached. The best passwords are completely random, so avoid using a template for passwords. For example, using character + website name + character (i.e. $Google! or $Facebook!) might help you remember but will also make all your passwords very easy to crack.
How to Remember Passwords
Completely random passwords are the safest, but how in the world do you remember them all?
This is where password managers come in handy. These securely store all your passwords in an encrypted database and can auto-fill logins for all websites you visit. You’ll only have to remember your Master Password–the last password you’ll ever need to memorize!
In 2023 the top password managers available are Bitwarden, 1Password, and NordPass. Utilizing one of these services is a great step in boosting your password security. They’ll even work on your Smartphone!