Why You Should Stop Using “123456” as Your Password
Weak Passwords Are Still Everywhere — And It’s Time to Move On
It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people still use weak passwords like “123456,” “qwerty,” or simply the word “password.” These types of credentials are incredibly easy to guess and often among the first things hackers try when attempting to break into an account. If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone — but it’s time to make a change.
At TechPals, we talk with people every day who are worried about online security. Many are unsure of how to choose a strong password, whether it’s safe to write them down, or how they’re supposed to remember them all. That’s what we’re here for. Let’s walk through exactly why strong passwords matter, what you should do instead, and how you can finally stop relying on memory (or sticky notes).
Why Strong Passwords Matter
Every time you sign in to a website, you’re putting your trust in that site’s security — and in the strength of your own password. Unfortunately, hackers don’t need to be brilliant or tech-savvy to break into accounts. Many of them use basic tools that try millions of common passwords in seconds. These are known as brute force attacks, and they’re surprisingly effective — especially if your password is short or predictable.
Even worse? If you reuse the same password on multiple sites and one of those sites gets hacked, that stolen password can then be used to access your other accounts. It’s like giving someone a key that works on your house, your car, your office, and your safe.
This is why cybersecurity experts constantly stress the same advice: unique, complex passwords are essential. A strong password is the first line of defense between your private information and someone trying to steal it.
Real-World Consequences of Weak Passwords
Still not convinced that this matters? Here are a few real-world examples of what can happen:
Email hacked: If someone gets into your email, they can reset your passwords on other accounts (like your bank or social media).
Credit card fraud: Weak or reused passwords can give hackers access to stored payment methods on shopping sites.
Identity theft: If enough personal info is available, hackers can open accounts or loans in your name.
Social media takeovers: Hackers can lock you out of your accounts, post scam links, or message your contacts.
The damage isn’t just personal — some people have lost thousands of dollars or had their credit destroyed due to poor password practices. But the good news? You can take control of your accounts starting today.
What Makes a Password “Strong”?
A strong password isn’t just hard to guess — it’s practically impossible for a computer to crack in any reasonable amount of time. That means creating passwords that:
Are at least 12 characters long (longer is even better)
Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
Include numbers and symbols
Avoid real words, names, or easily guessed patterns like “abc123” or “july2024”
Are unique to each account — never reused, even with small tweaks
It can feel overwhelming to create a completely different, complex password for every account. But we promise — there’s a better way than trying to memorize them all.
Why You Should Never Reuse Passwords
Let’s say you use the same password — maybe “Spring2023!” — for your email, your Facebook account, and your Amazon account. One day, one of those sites suffers a data breach. Now your email address and password combination are floating around on the dark web. Hackers can then plug that information into dozens of other sites, hoping you reused the same login elsewhere.
And most of the time, it works.
This type of attack is known as credential stuffing, and it’s incredibly common. That’s why even a “strong” password is weak if you’re using it in more than one place.
How to Create and Manage Strong Passwords
1. Use a Password Manager
Trying to remember 50 different passwords is unrealistic — and writing them all down in a notebook isn’t much better. That’s why we recommend using a password manager, like:
1Password
LastPass
Bitwarden
Dashlane
These tools work like a secure vault. You only have to remember one master password, and the manager handles the rest. Many of them can:
Generate strong passwords for you
Autofill login forms on websites
Sync across all your devices
Alert you if any of your saved logins were found in a data breach
It might sound like a lot to set up, but that’s where TechPals comes in. We can walk you through the whole process — choosing a manager, setting up your vault, creating secure passwords, and importing your existing logins.
Ready to get started? Visit techpals.org or email us at help@techpals.org for one-on-one support.
2. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Passwords are important, but even the strongest password can be compromised. That’s why two-factor authentication is such a powerful tool. When enabled, it adds an extra step after your password — typically a code sent to your phone or generated by an app.
Even if a hacker steals your password, they won’t be able to log in without also having access to your second factor.
Look for 2FA settings in your:
Email accounts
Banking apps
Social media accounts
Shopping sites like Amazon or eBay
Need help enabling it? TechPals can walk you through exactly where to find it and how it works.
3. Check for Compromised Passwords
Want to see if any of your passwords have been leaked in a data breach? There are free tools for that.
Try visiting haveibeenpwned.com and entering your email address. It will show you whether your email and associated passwords have appeared in known data breaches.
If your info appears — or if you just want peace of mind — it’s time to change those passwords immediately.
What to Avoid When Creating Passwords
Sometimes people try to be clever, but actually make things less secure. Here are a few password habits to avoid:
Adding numbers to weak words (like “Password123!”)
Using names of pets, family members, or favorite sports teams
Using the same word with different numbers at the end
Using patterns on the keyboard (like “qwerty” or “asdfgh”)
Using birthdates or anniversaries
Hackers can guess these in seconds — especially if they can find your public information on social media.
Common Myths About Password Security
“I don’t need strong passwords. I’m not a target.”
Everyone is a target. Most attacks are automated and don’t single you out — they’re just looking for easy accounts to break into.
“I don’t have anything worth stealing.”
Even if you don’t keep money in your email or Facebook account, access to those can be used to impersonate you or reset your financial logins.
“I use a good password, but I only have one.”
A good password reused on many sites is still a security risk. Once it’s stolen, it opens the door to all your accounts.
“I wrote down all my passwords in a notebook, so I’m fine.”
Paper can be lost or seen by others. It also doesn’t alert you when a password has been compromised.
Bonus Tips for Better Online Security
While strong passwords are a great start, here are a few more tips to keep your digital life safe:
Keep your software updated — security patches are critical
Be careful with email links and attachments — phishing attacks are a major risk
Log out of public devices after checking your email or bank account
Use different email addresses for important accounts vs. subscriptions or newsletters
Backup your important data regularly — in case your account is locked or hacked
Want a personalized security checklist? Contact TechPals and we’ll help you build one based on the devices and services you use most.
Help from TechPals — Friendly, No-Judgment Support
At TechPals, we know password security can feel overwhelming. If you've used the same password for years, or aren’t sure where to begin with a password manager, you're not alone. We’ve helped hundreds of people — and we’re here for you, too.
We offer:
Step-by-step help setting up strong passwords
Guided setup for password managers
Support enabling two-factor authentication
Advice tailored to your tech comfort level
And we do it all with patience, kindness, and zero judgment. Whether you’re brand-new to these tools or just need a nudge to finally update your old logins, we’ve got you covered.
Visit techpals.org or email help@techpals.org to get started.
Practical Strategies to Build and Manage Strong Passwords
Creating strong passwords is crucial, but equally important is having a system to manage and protect them. Many people struggle with how to keep track of dozens of complex passwords, which is why relying on memory alone or writing them down can lead to vulnerabilities. Here are practical strategies to help you create, store, and maintain secure passwords without the stress.
Use a Passphrase Instead of a Password
One of the easiest ways to create a strong, memorable password is to use a passphrase — a sequence of words that only you can easily recall but would be difficult for someone else to guess. Unlike a single word with numbers or symbols added, passphrases are naturally longer and more complex.
For example, instead of “Sunshine2023!”, try something like:
CoffeeTableBlueMoon! or GreenBirdsFlyAtDawn#.
Passphrases are easier to remember because they form a mental image or story, and their length makes them more secure against brute-force attacks.
Make Each Password Unique — Don’t Recycle
We can’t stress this enough: never reuse passwords across multiple sites. If one account is compromised, hackers can use the same login details to access your other accounts. Even small variations like adding a “1” or “!” at the end are predictable and won’t stop attackers.
Every account deserves its own strong, unique password or passphrase.
Start Using a Password Manager Today
Password managers are game changers for online security. Instead of trying to memorize every password, a password manager stores them all securely behind one master password — the only one you need to remember.
Good password managers can:
Generate complex passwords automatically, removing the guesswork.
Fill in passwords for you on websites and apps, speeding up login without sacrificing security.
Sync across your devices so your passwords are always handy, whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Notify you if any saved passwords appear in a data breach.
Popular options include 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, and Bitwarden. Many have free versions to start with.
If you haven’t set one up yet because it seems complicated, don’t worry. TechPals can guide you through the setup process step-by-step and make sure your vault is secure.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication Wherever Possible
Even with the strongest password, breaches can happen. That’s why two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an important second layer of protection. When you enable 2FA, after typing your password, you’ll be asked to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app.
This simple step can block 99% of automated hacking attempts because a stolen password alone is not enough to get in.
Look for 2FA options in your most sensitive accounts, including email, banking, social media, and online shopping.
Use Secure Methods to Store Passwords Temporarily
If you’re new to password managers and need to jot down a few passwords while you get set up, do so safely:
Use a physical notebook that you keep locked away or in a secure place.
Avoid saving passwords in plain text files on your computer or phone.
Never share your passwords via email or text message.
If you must write down passwords, consider using a simple code or shorthand only you understand.
Regularly Review and Update Your Passwords
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-and-done task. Periodically reviewing your passwords and updating weak or reused ones is a smart habit.
Set a reminder every few months to:
Change passwords on critical accounts (banking, email, work-related)
Delete accounts you no longer use to reduce risk
Check your password manager for security audit tools — many highlight weak, reused, or compromised passwords
Recognize and Avoid Common Password Mistakes
Some patterns seem safe but actually weaken your security:
Using keyboard sequences like “qwerty” or “123456”
Incorporating easily guessable personal info like birthdays or pet names
Short passwords under 12 characters
Predictable substitutions like “pa$$word” or “abc123”
These are the first things hackers try in automated attacks.
Protect Your Master Password Above All
If you use a password manager, your master password is the key to your entire digital vault. Make it extremely strong and keep it private.
Tips for your master password:
Use a long, unique passphrase combining unrelated words and symbols
Don’t reuse it anywhere else
Consider using a memorable sentence or phrase
Store a backup securely in case you forget it — maybe a locked safe or a trusted family member
Losing your master password can lock you out of all your saved passwords, so treat it like your most important secret.
What to Do If You Suspect a Password Has Been Compromised
If you hear about a data breach from a service you use or notice suspicious activity on an account:
Change the password immediately on that account — and anywhere else that password was used.
Enable two-factor authentication if it’s not already on.
Monitor your accounts for unusual activity, including emails, transactions, or login alerts.
Use resources like haveibeenpwned.com to check if your email or passwords have been exposed.
Consider changing security questions or adding extra verification steps.
TechPals can guide you through securing compromised accounts and recovering access safely.
The Human Side of Password Security
Strong passwords and 2FA are great, but sometimes people fall into habits or face challenges:
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed managing dozens of accounts.
Some people worry about relying on password managers because they don’t understand them.
Older adults and less tech-savvy users often fear making mistakes or getting locked out.
That’s why personalized help matters. TechPals is committed to walking you through each step — patiently, clearly, and without judgment. We want everyone to feel confident and safe online.
Ready to Take Control?
Changing your password habits isn’t about being perfect overnight. It’s about making gradual, sustainable improvements that protect your privacy and give you peace of mind.
Start by:
Choosing a reliable password manager
Creating strong master passwords
Turning on two-factor authentication on key accounts
Updating weak or reused passwords gradually
Asking for help when you need it
Visit techpals.org or email help@techpals.org for personal support. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Remember: Your online security is worth the effort — and you’re not alone in this journey. Together, we can build habits that keep your accounts safe and your digital life worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many characters should my password be?
At least 12 characters. The longer, the better — many password managers will create 16- or 20-character passwords.
What if I forget my master password?
Most password managers offer account recovery options. We recommend storing your master password in a safe place (or using a password hint that only you would recognize).
Are password managers really safe?
Yes. They use encryption to keep your data secure, and they’re widely recommended by cybersecurity experts. In fact, they’re safer than trying to memorize everything or writing passwords down.
Can I use the same password if I add a number at the end?
No — that still counts as reusing a password. Hackers try common patterns like this first.
How often should I update my passwords?
You should update passwords that are weak, reused, or found in a data breach. Otherwise, focus on creating strong, unique passwords and keeping them safe in your password manager.
Final Thoughts: Make the Switch Today
If your passwords are simple, reused, or written on a sticky note, it’s time for a better plan. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to stay safe online — you just need the right tools and a little help getting started.
Use long, complex, unique passwords for each account
Store them in a trusted password manager
Turn on two-factor authentication
Review your old logins and update any that are reused or weak
Reach out to TechPals if you need help — we’ll guide you through everything
You can do this. And TechPals is here to make it easier.
Visit techpals.org today to take control of your online security — one password at a time.
