Your passwords protect your email, bank accounts, social media and more. Weak or reused passwords are one of the most common ways accounts get hacked. This guide shows how to create strong passwords and keep them safe.
What Makes a Password Strong?
- Length: longer is better. Aim for at least 12 to 16 characters.
- Unpredictability: avoid names, birthdays, phone numbers and common words.
- Uniqueness: use a different password for every account.
- Variety: a mix of letters, numbers and symbols helps, but length matters most.
Passwords to Avoid
- “123456”, “password” and similar common choices.
- Your name, pet’s name or date of birth.
- Keyboard patterns like “qwerty”.
- A single word with a number added at the end.
Use a Passphrase
A passphrase is a string of several random words, such as four or five unrelated words joined together. It is easier to remember and can be very strong when the words are truly random and the phrase is long.
Use a Password Generator
Humans are not good at being random. A generator creates unpredictable passwords for you. You can try our free password generator, which runs in your browser so your passwords are not sent to our servers.
Never Reuse Passwords
If one website is breached and you used the same password elsewhere, attackers can try it on your other accounts. Unique passwords limit the damage.
Use a Password Manager
A reputable password manager stores your passwords in an encrypted vault, so you only need to remember one strong master password. It can also generate and fill passwords for you.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step, such as a code from an app, when you sign in. Even if someone learns your password, they still cannot get in easily. Enable it for email, banking and important accounts first.
Stay Alert to Phishing
- Be cautious of messages that create urgency or ask for your password.
- Check the web address before signing in.
- Do not click suspicious links or attachments.
If an Account Is Compromised
- Change the password immediately.
- Change it anywhere else you used it.
- Check account activity and recovery settings.
- Enable 2FA.
Final Thoughts
Good password habits take a little effort but protect you from serious problems. Use long, unique passwords, store them safely and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.