How to Create Strong Passwords and Keep Them Safe

Your first defense in protecting your personal and business information. Using at least 12 characters to create strong passwords, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid personal info like names or birthdays, and don’t use common words. A unique passphrase can be both secure and easy to remember. Never reuse passwords; each account needs its own. Regular updates help prevent hackers from exploiting weaknesses. Avoid simple patterns like “1234” or “abcd.”

Take Control with a Password Manager: Consider LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden. These tools not only store passwords securely but also suggest strong ones. Remember, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible and stay alert for phishing attempts.

Let’s get started and learn how to create a strong password.

Key Takeaways

• Use at least 12 characters mixing letters, numbers, and symbols for complexity.
• Avoid personal information and simple patterns in your passwords.
• Create unique passphrases for each account to enhance security.
• Regularly update passwords to protect against potential breaches.
• Utilize a password manager to store and generate passwords securely.

Seven Steps to Create Strong Passwords

Creating a strong password involves several key steps to secure your accounts. Here’s a detailed guide on how and why you should follow these steps:

1. Create Passwords with at Least 12 Characters
   • How: Use letters, numbers, and symbols to make your password at least 12 characters long.
   • Why: Longer passwords are harder to crack because they offer more possible combinations for hackers to guess.
2. Mix Letters, Numbers, and Symbols
   • How: Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. For example, ‘G3n#R8tE!S@fe’ is much stronger than ‘password123’.
   • Why: A varied mix of characters increases complexity, making it more difficult for attackers to use brute force to crack your password.
3. Avoid Using Personal Information or Dictionary Words
   • How: Do not use names, birthdates, or common words in the dictionary. Instead, use random combinations of characters.
   • Why: Personal information and common words are easily guessable through social engineering or dictionary attacks. Hackers often start with these when attempting to break into accounts.
4. Exclude Birth Years or Any Part of Your Birth Date
   • How: Ensure your password does not include any part of your birth date, like your birth year or month/day.
   • Why: Birthdates are often targeted by attackers because they can be easily found through public records or social media.
5. Avoid Sequential Numbers or Letters
   • How: Do not use simple sequences such as ‘1234’ or ‘abcd’ in your passwords.
   • Why: Sequential patterns are easy to predict and are among the first combinations hackers try.
6. Use a Unique Passphrase
   • How: Create a passphrase by combining unrelated words, such as ‘Purple!Penguins@SunnyBeach2023’.
   • Why: Passphrases are both strong and easier to remember, providing an effective way to create complex passwords without struggling to recall random characters.
7. Use a Password Manager
   • How: Utilize a reliable password manager like LastPass, Dashlane, or NordPass to generate and securely store your passwords.
   • Why: Password managers create complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts and store them securely. You only need to remember one master password, reducing the risk of password reuse and weak passwords.

Following these seven steps can significantly enhance your online security and protect your personal and business information from unauthorized access.

Common Password Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One common mistake is using personal information in your passwords, making it easy for hackers to guess. Avoid using personal information like names, birthdates, or addresses. Instead, focus on creating a strong password that can’t be easily cracked.

Another critical error is reusing passwords across multiple accounts. This practice can lead to multiple account breaches if one password is compromised.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, remember:

• Avoid using personal information: Hackers can easily guess details like your name or birthday.
• Do not reuse passwords: Each account should have a unique password to boost security.
• A Mix of numbers and symbols: Combining different characters adds complexity, making your password harder to crack.
• Regularly update your passwords: Change your passwords every few months to reduce the risk of long-term breaches.
• Avoid simple patterns or sequences: Predictable sequences like ‘12345’ or ‘qwerty’ are easily hacked.

Always aim for unique and complex passwords. Creating a strong password might seem challenging, but it’s essential for your online safety.

Regularly updating passwords and avoiding common mistakes can protect you from cyber threats.

Using a password manager to store and secure your passwords

Utilizing a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden is essential for keeping your passwords secure. These tools generate and store complex passwords, so you don’t have to remember each one.

LastPass

LastPass is currently the password manager I use and recommend to my clients. It offers a powerful solution for securely storing and managing passwords through advanced encryption and multi-device synchronization. You’ll benefit from AES-256 encryption, which keeps your information safe.

LastPass also provides a form filler, password generator, and site-sharing options. Their two-factor authentication, including the LastPass Authenticator app, adds an extra layer of security.

However, be aware of LastPass’s history of security incidents, including breaches in 2015, 2021, and 2022. These incidents compromised user data and raised serious concerns.

To stay safe, choose a strong master password and change your passwords regularly. Despite its features, you need to remain vigilant against potential threats.

Best For: Individuals, families, and businesses seeking a comprehensive and secure solution for managing and synchronizing passwords across multiple devices.

Pros:

• AES-256 encryption ensures strong protection of user data.
• Features like form filler, password generator, and site-sharing enhance usability.
• Supports various two-factor authentication methods, including the LastPass Authenticator app.

Cons:

• History of security breaches in 2015, 2021, and 2022 raises concerns about data safety.
• Users need to be vigilant and change passwords regularly to mitigate risks.
• The initial response to security incidents has faced criticism, which has led to a class-action lawsuit.

1Password

1Password‘s synchronization options make it ideal for individuals and businesses seeking seamless access to secure passwords across multiple devices. Using a password manager like 1Password can improve your online security. It offers synchronization through 1Password.com, local Wi-Fi, and iCloud sync, guaranteeing your passwords are always accessible and up-to-date.

With features like remembering logins, autofill, and password generation capabilities, 1Password simplifies managing your online credentials. The browser extensions for Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera allow you to use it with your preferred browser. Plus, 1Password’s shift to a subscription service with version 7 ensures continuous updates and support.

Best For: Individuals and businesses seeking seamless, secure, synchronized password management across multiple devices.

Pros:

• Robust synchronization options through 1Password.com, local Wi-Fi, and iCloud sync
• Comprehensive browser extensions for Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera
• Autofill, password generation, and login remembering capabilities

Cons:

• Transition to a subscription service may not appeal to all users.
• Removal of local password vault storage in 1Password 8
• Dependence on a master password for access could be risky if forgotten.

Bitwarden

Bitwarden is open-source with zero-knowledge encryption and is perfect for anyone seeking a secure and transparent way to manage their passwords. You need a reliable option to safeguard your passwords, and Bitwarden delivers. It uses end-to-end encryption to keep your data safe, even from Bitwarden. You can access your passwords anywhere with support for various devices and browsers.

Bitwarden offers features like password generation, secure sharing, and emergency access. It also supports two-factor authentication and passwordless login for added security. Plus, it’s praised by top reviewers and tech communities for its robust free version and affordable premium tier.

Best For: Individuals and businesses seeking a secure, transparent, versatile password management solution.

Pros:

• Open-source with zero-knowledge encryption for maximum security and transparency.
• Wide support across various devices and browsers, ensuring accessibility and convenience.
• Free version with essential features and an affordable premium tier for added functionality.

Cons:

• Some advanced features and premium support require a paid subscription.
• The initial setup and learning curve might be slightly challenging for non-technical users.
• Dependence on a master password, which, if forgotten, could complicate access to stored passwords.

Additional Online Security Practices

There is more to online security than just using strong passwords. Adding additional security measures like multi-factor authentication, regular updates, and backups can provide a strong defense against cyber threats.

Here are some essential practices to help you stay safe online:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   • Why: 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification form, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they know your password.
   • How: Turn on 2FA on all your accounts. This usually involves a code sent to your phone or generated by an app.
2. Be Vigilant Against Online Scams
   • Why: Scammers often use emails, messages, or phone calls to trick you into giving away personal or login information.
   • How: Be cautious of any unexpected communications asking for sensitive information. Always verify the source before clicking links or providing details.
3. Use Encrypted Wi-Fi Networks
   • Why: Public Wi-Fi is less secure and can be an easy target for hackers.
   • How: Use encrypted Wi-Fi networks, especially for personal or financial data transactions. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.
4. Regularly Update Your Devices and Software
   • Why: Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
   • How: Set your devices and software to update automatically or check for updates regularly.
5. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
   • Why: These programs help protect your devices from malicious attacks and viruses.
   • How: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software and keep them updated.
6. Monitor Your Accounts for Unusual Activity
   • Why: Early detection of suspicious behavior can prevent further damage.
   • How: Regularly check your account statements and activity logs for anything unusual and report it immediately.
7. Regularly Back Up Your Data
   • Why: Backups protect you from data loss from malware attacks, hardware failures, or accidental deletions.
   • How: Use secure locations like external hard drives or cloud storage to regularly back up your important data.
8. Educate Yourself on Common Online Scams and Phishing Attacks
   • Why: Understanding how scams work helps you recognize and avoid them.
   • How: Read up on common online scams, phishing techniques, and ways to protect yourself. Stay informed about new threats.

Following these practices can significantly enhance your online security and protect your personal and business information from potential threats.

Conclusion

Taking control of your online security doesn’t have to be confusing. Start today by creating strong, unique passwords for each account and using a password manager to keep them safe. Enable Two-Factor Authentication and choose your security questions wisely.