How to choose a good password

How to Choose a Good Password: Strategies for Stronger Security

Picture this: you’re logging into your email, and you use your go-to password—your dog’s name, “Buddy2023.” It’s easy to remember, but here’s the problem: it’s also easy for hackers to guess. If you’ve shared your dog’s name on social media, they’re already halfway there!

In today’s digital world, weak passwords are like leaving the key under the mat. According to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, 80% of hacking-related breaches stem from weak or reused passwords. The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can create secure, memorable passwords to protect your accounts.

Why Strong Passwords Matter

Hackers use sophisticated tools to crack passwords, trying millions of combinations in seconds. Short, common passwords like “123456” or “Password123” are no match for these attacks. By creating unique and complex passwords, you make it significantly harder for anyone to access your data.

Current Insights on Passwords are Bleak, so Buck the Trend

• 15% of people use their pet’s name as a password, one of the most guessable formats.

• Passwords that are 12 characters or longer are 10x harder to crack than those with 8 characters.

• Using a password manager reduces the likelihood of reusing passwords by 30%, increasing security significantly.

How to Choose a Good Password: Strategies That Work

1. Use Personally Relatable Words or Phrases
   Think of something meaningful to you but hard for others to guess, like a favorite hobby, trip, or memory. For example:

• "GrandCanyonHike@2022"

• "ChocolateChip!Cookies99"

These are long, personal, and include uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers, making them both secure and memorable.

1. Turn Phrases into Acronyms
   Create an acronym from a saying, lyric, or memorable sentence. For example:

• "I drink coffee every morning at 7 AM" becomes "IdCEM@7am!"

• "The cake is a lie, always" becomes "Tc1aL@ways!"

Adding numbers and symbols to these acronyms boosts their security.

1. Include Special Characters
   Add punctuation, symbols, or alternate spellings to make your password stronger. For instance:

• Instead of "Sunshine2024," try "5un$hine2024!"

• Instead of "BlueSkyForever," try "Blu3Sky#4ever!"

2. Never Reuse Passwords
   Each account should have its own unique password. If one account is compromised, this practice prevents hackers from accessing others.

3. Think of Passwords as Passphrases
   Passphrases are longer and easier to remember. Use a quirky or fun sentence to make it stick:

• "PineapplePizzaTastes@Weird"

• "CatsAndDogs!GetAlong"

4. Use a Password Manager
   Password managers like LastPass, Dashlane, or Bitwarden securely store and generate unique passwords for you. It’s an easy way to stay organized and protected.

And if the text is too long, check out this video on creating passwords from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for a more interactive description!

Final Thoughts

Your password is your first line of defense in the digital world. By combining creative strategies like personal phrases, acronyms, and special characters, you can create passwords that are both secure and easy to recall. Don’t forget to use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication (2FA - What is 2FA?) for added protection.

Take control of your online security today—your future self will thank you!

Have questions about creating or managing strong passwords? Let us know in the comments!

The TechPals Team