How to create a secure password

Of course you want to keep your data safe. So why are so many security precautions frequently overlooked? Many accounts, for example, are protected by weak passwords, making it easy for hackers to do their work. There is a fine line between selecting a password that no one can guess and selecting a password that is easy to remember. As a result, we will examine this topic in depth today and ensure that you no longer need to click on the "lost password" link.

What exactly is a strong password?

So let's begin with a definition. A secure password is one that cannot be guessed or broken by an intruder.

Computers are utilized by hackers in order to try out various combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Passwords that are only a few characters long and consist entirely of letters and digits are easy for modern computers to crack in a couple of seconds. Because of this, it is vital to utilize robust combinations of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in one password. There is a minimum length requirement of 12 characters for passwords, although using a longer password is strongly encouraged.

To summarize the attributes of a secure password, they are as follows:

•  At least 12 characters are required. The more complicated your password, the better.

•  Upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters are included. Such passwords are more difficult to crack.

•  Does not contain keyboard paths

•  It is not based on your personal information

•  Each of your accounts has its own password

You have undoubtedly observed that a variety of websites "care" about the security level of your password. When you are making an account, you will frequently see tooltips that remind you to include a particular amount of characters, as well as numbers and letters. Weak passwords have a far higher chance of being disapproved by the system. Keep in mind that, for reasons related to your security, you should never use the same password for several accounts.

A secure password should be unique

You may use a strong password for all of your accounts after you've created one. However, doing so will leave you more exposed to assaults. If a hacker obtains your password, they will be able to access whatever account you used it for, including email, social media, and work accounts.

According to surveys, many people use the same password because it is easier to remember. Don't worry, there are several tools available to assist you with managing multiple passwords. We'll get to them later.

While adding special characters in passwords is an excellent approach to increase their security, not all accounts accept all characters. However, in most scenarios, the following are used: ! " #% & *, / : | $ ; ': _? ().

Here are some examples of strong passwords that make use of special characters:

•  P7j12$# eBT1cL@Kfg

•  $j2kr^ALpr!Kf#ZjnGb#

Ideas for creating a strong password

Fortunately, there are several methods for creating unique and secure passwords for each of your accounts. Let's go over each one in detail:

1. Use a password generator/password manager

If you don't have the time to come up with secure passwords, a password generator that can also serve as a manager is a very simple and straightforward solution that you may use.

2. Choose a phrase, not a word

Passwords are significantly less secure than passphrases since they are often lengthier and more difficult to guess or crack. Instead of a word, pick a phrase and use the first letters, digits, and punctuation from that phrase to generate an apparently random combination of characters. Experiment with different wording and punctuation.

Here are some examples of how the passphrases  technique may be used to generate secure passwords:

•  I first went to Disneyland when I was four years old and it made me happy: I1stw2DLwIw8yrs&immJ

•  My friend Matt ate six donuts at a bakery cafe and it cost him £10: MfMa6d@tbc&ich£10

3. Pick a more unique option

Open a dictionary or book and select a random word, or better yet, many. Combine them with numbers and symbols to make it far more difficult for a hacker to decipher.

As an example:

•  Sand, fork, smoke, okay — Sand%fork9smoke/okay37

4. Experiment with phrases and quotes

If you need a password that is difficult for others to guess but easy for you to remember, try variants on a phrase or statement that means something to you. Simply choose a memorable sentence and replace parts of the letters with numbers and symbols.

For example:

•  “For the first time in forever”: Disney’s Frozen: 4da1stTymein4eva-Frozen

5. Make use of emojis

You may always use emoticons to add symbols to your passwords without making them difficult to remember. You can't add emojis, but you can attempt emoticons made out of punctuation marks, characters, and/or numbers.

For example:

•  \_(ツ)_/¯

•  (>^_^)> <(^_^<)

•  (~.~) (o_O)

What should I do after I have created a password?

1. Set passwords for specific accounts

You'll still need to generate a unique password for each of your accounts once you've created a strong password that you can remember. Instead of creating several new ones, you may include the name of the platform you use at the end. For example, if your password was nHd3#pHAuFP8, just add the word EMa1l to the end of your email address to get nHd3#pHAuFP8EMa1l.

2. Make your password a part of your muscle memory

If you want to be able to recall your password, typing it out several times can help you do so. You will be able to memorize information far more easily as a result of the muscle memory that you will develop.

How to keep your passwords safe?

1. Choose a good password manager

Use a trustworthy password manager whether you're setting your own safe passwords or looking for an internet service to handle it for you. It creates, saves, and manages all of your passwords in a single safe online account. All you have to do is put all your account passwords in the application and then safeguard them with one "master password". This means you just have to remember a single strong password.

2. Use two-factor authentication

You've heard it before, but we'll say it again. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional level of protection. Even if someone steals your password, you can prevent them from accessing your account. This is often a one-time code supplied to you by text message or other means. Receiving an SMS, by the way, is not the most secure method since a hacker might obtain your mobile phone number in a SIM swap fraud and gain access to your verification code.

Apps using two-factor authentication are far more secure. Google Authenticator, for example, or Microsoft Authenticator.

3. Passwords should not be saved on your phone, tablet, or computer

Although it might not be immediately visible, this is a common approach for people to save their passwords. That should not be done. Your files, emails, messenger conversations, and notes may all be hacked.

4. Keep your password confidential

Even if you completely trust the person to whom you are handing your password, sending it in a text message or email is risky. Even if you speak it aloud or write it down on paper, someone who is interested can overhear you and take notes behind you.