Today is World Password Day — the perfect time for a quick reminder on how to keep your passwords strong and your information secure.
What Makes a Strong Password?
A strong password is one that’s difficult to guess or crack. Hackers often use powerful computers to rapidly test combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Short passwords or those using only letters and numbers can be cracked in seconds.
To build a strong password:
- Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like punctuation marks).
- Aim for at least 12 characters—the longer, the better.
- Avoid predictable patterns like "qwerty" or "123456."
- Keep personal information (birthdates, pet names, etc.) out of your passwords.
- Create a unique password for each account.
Many sites will guide you with password requirements, but even if they don't, it’s important to set a strong password every time you create or update an account.
The Essentials of a Strong Password
Not Obvious: Stay away from easy-to-guess choices like “password” or “12345.” These are still some of the most common—and least secure—passwords worldwide.
Not Personal: Avoid anything someone could learn from your social media profiles or a casual conversation—like your birthday, your kids' names, or your favorite team.
Unique to Each Account: Using the same password across multiple accounts increases your risk. If a hacker cracks one, they could access everything from your email to your bank account.
Fresh, Not Recycled: Resist the urge to reuse old passwords, even if they haven't been used in years. Always create a new, unique password, especially if you’ve had a security issue before.
Important Tip: Don’t Save Passwords on Your Devices
It’s tempting, but saving passwords in a document, email, or online note can leave you exposed if your device is hacked. And definitely steer clear of writing passwords down on sticky notes!